Red Kitesthe biggest species success in UK conservation history

Red Kites are iconic birds that dominate our skies and are a much-loved part of the Chiltern’s landscape and identity. Did you know that they were once an endangered species and a huge effort was undertaken to prevent their extinction? Here is a fascinating insight into their history, including how the reintroduction of red kites is the biggest species success in UK conservation history.

A new book has been published to coincide with UN World Wildlife Day. It describes the story of the successful reintroduction of red kites to the UK in 1990 and details how the Chilterns was selected as the initial location for the establishment of young chicks brought in from Sweden and Spain. The book ‘When the Kite Builds: Why and how we restored red kites across Britain’ was written by Dr Mike Pienkowski, the Chairman of the Red Kite Project Team from the 1980s to 1995.

In the Middle Ages, Red Kites were a common sight across the British countryside and cities, where people valued them for keeping the streets clear of carrion (dead animals). The birds were frequently mentioned in Shakespeare’s works. But later changes in attitude led to their extermination in most of the

UK, until they were reduced to a tiny population in Wales. By the 1980s, they were one of only three globally vulnerable bird species occurring in Britain.

Following the success of their reintroduction, red kites are now one of the iconic sights of the Chilterns and many other parts of Britain and Ireland, valued as part of the landscape. British kites now form 10% of the world population of the species.

In 2020, looking back over more than 30 years, RSPB noted, “the Red Kite introduction project has been a fantastic example of conservation in action and is the result of really effective partnership working, which we’re proud to be part of. It’s been amazing to see a species once persecuted to near extinction in this country, brought back and welcomed by local communities, with local economies reaping the dividends of the return of this iconic species. In the 1980s, anyone wanting to see a Red Kite had to make a special pilgrimage to a handful of sites. Today it is a daily sight for millions of people. In a few short decades we have taken a species from the brink of extinction to the UK being home to almost 10% of the entire world population.”

The author, Dr Mike Pienkowski said, “I am delighted to get this book out. It is important to put such successes on record – I hope in a readable way. This is both to help others and to recognise the teamwork of a huge number of people in UK and other countries.”

Dr Elaine King, CEO of the Chilterns Conservation Board remarked: “40 years ago, red kites were never seen in the Chilterns. Today, these magnificent birds are one of the most iconic sights associated with the area, soaring high over the fields, villages and gardens, riding the thermals with that characteristic flick of their forked tails. The bird is often named and used as an emblem for local buildings and businesses and has become recognised as a valuable and much-loved part of the Chilterns landscape. Our hope is that red kites will remain appreciated and valued, living in their natural habitat in the Chilterns. We’re immensely proud that the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty has been part of such an incredible conservation success story.”

We have a signed copy of the new book ‘When the Kite Builds: Why and how we restored red kites across Britain’ to giveaway as part of our 20-Year Anniversary celebrations. To enter, please see page 8.