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UK's Crane Population Reaches 250 After 400-Year Extinction

4/9/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)'s Lakenheath Fen reserve in Suffolk has aided the recovery of common cranes, the UK's tallest bird species.
The population, extinct for 400 years, reached 37 chicks last year, bringing total to about 250 cranes.
Site manager Dave Rogers said rebuilding the population is slow, noting cranes lay about two eggs annually.
Kevin Middleton, a birdwatcher, praised the cranes as a remarkable success.

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Story summary

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)'s Lakenheath Fen reserve in Suffolk has aided the recovery of common cranes, the UK's tallest bird species.
The population, extinct for 400 years, reached 37 chicks last year, bringing total to about 250 cranes.
Site manager Dave Rogers said rebuilding the population is slow, noting cranes lay about two eggs annually.
Kevin Middleton, a birdwatcher, praised the cranes as a remarkable success.