Surfbirds News

The huge birds are nesting at the RSPB's Lakenheath Fen nature reserve in Suffolk - a site that was a carrot field until the Society bought it 11 years ago and began its transformation into a square mile of marsh and fen.

Staff there came upon a nest by chance while carrying out a routine survey of the site. It is believed the eggs are about to hatch and may already have done so. In addition, the nesting pair appear to have attracted in other, visiting cranes.

Common Crane © Dave Hutton

The amazing discovery comes as Lakenheath Fen prepares to throw open the doors to its new visitor centre on 17 May 2007.

With a seven-foot wingspan and a loud, bugling call, the crane is a true wildlife spectacle. Persecution and the large-scale drainage of the Fens for agriculture, led to its disappearance as a breeding bird in Britain by about 1600.

A small number returned to the Norfolk Broads in 1979 but while they have bred there successfully, the population has remained isolated and vulnerable. Their arrival at Lakenheath Fen offers hope that they may now be starting to spread into the Fens.

The RSPB's Chief Executive, Graham Wynne CBE, said: 'The arrival of cranes at Lakenheath Fen is fantastic news for the future of this species in the UK. It is also testimony to the truly inspirational work done at the site.

'We have gone from carrot fields to cranes in 11 years. Their decision to nest on the reserve was totally unexpected, very exciting and completely wonderful.

'Lakenheath Fen is a superb example of what can be achieved by restoring wildlife habitats on a large scale and proves that when it comes to wetlands, bigger really is better.

'Now, with the opening of our new visitor centre, we can really start to show people the great work that's been done here and bring them close to the nature on their doorsteps.'

There is more on the way with the RSPB planning to create almost 20 square miles of new wetlands in the Fens over the next 20 years.

The Society hopes the £700,000 visitor centre will help make Lakenheath Fen a gateway to the Fens and its native wildlife for tens of thousands of people, with visitor numbers increasing from 15,000 to 60,000 a year.

As well as the cranes, Lakenheath Fen boasts six pairs of marsh harriers and brightly coloured golden orioles among its bird life, alongside more than 100 aquatic plants, whose seeds had lain dormant among the carrots before bursting back to life with the return of water to the site.

Visitor access to the reserve will be managed to minimise disturbance to the cranes. Visitors will have the opportunity to watch for them at a designated viewing point, while staff and volunteers will be on hand to provide information about the spectacular birds and how the RSPB has created the reserve.