The Great Crane Project

Flock of cranes in flight

An exciting boost for the conservation of common cranes in Britain was announced at the 2006 British Birdwatching Fair, in the shape of The Great Crane Project.

This large, impressive bird was absent as a breeding species for nearly 400 years, before a small population recolonised the Norfolk Broads - a former breeding site - in 1979. While successful breeding has taken place, the small Norfolk population of common cranes remains isolated and vulnerable.

The Great Crane Project - a new partnership between Pensthorpe Conservation Trust, the RSPB and the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, supported by founding sponsor Jordans Cereals - aims to re-establish a breeding population of cranes at a new wetland site, securing its future as a breeding species.

Common cranes (Latin name Grus grus) were formerly widespread, but the drainage of extensive areas of wetlands and hunting caused them to disappear as a breeding bird by the start of the 17th century.

Specialists from the three organisations are planning a conservation programme to re-establish common cranes at a new site. A short-list of potential release sites is being drawn up, and techniques for rearing young cranes are being investigated.

The precise location will be kept confidential during the early stages of the programme, as cranes are sensitive to disturbance. Any programme would conform to agreed IUCN/Species Survival Commission guidelines for re-introduction projects.

The Great Crane Project will draw on the experience of the International Crane Foundation in Wisconsin, which has been successful in re-introducing whooping cranes to the wild in the USA. The earliest that releases could take place in Britain would be 2009, with preparatory work to continue during 2007 and 2008.

There is a long history of cranes in Britain; they feature on illustrated manuscripts, and appeared on the menu for Henry III's Christmas feast at York in 1251!

They occur widely in Europe, where populations have suffered historically from loss of wetland habitats, but are becoming adapted to breeding in agricultural areas and are now increasing in some areas, such as eastern Germany. Small numbers visit eastern and southern England each year on passage.

In 2005, the plan to re-establish cranes was featured on the back of over 42.5 million packets of Jordans' breakfast cereal as part of the company's 150th anniversary.

Last modified: 18 August 2006

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