Red Kite Reintroduction Programme
Although the small red kite population in
Wales, assisted by careful conservation,
gradually increased, progress was slow. In
1989, to address the situation, the Joint
Nature Conservation Committee took a
decision to reintroduce kites to various parts
of the UK. Between 1989 and 2004, a variety
of organisations worked to re-introduce red
kites to a number of areas across Britain; the
objective, to return the red kite to its original
British range. Up to 2002, there had been
six successful re-introduction schemes, three
each in both England and Scotland. Then
came Northern Kites, which ‘joined the dots’
between the projects to the north and south.
Northern Kites’ Objectives
At fi rst glance, Gateshead might have spectacular wildlife to the heart of the
seemed a somewhat strange choice for region and its people, on a daily basis.
such a project, but the area selected, in In essence, the Northern Kites Project
the lower Derwent valley, was right for a comprised four key elements:
number of reasons. Firstly, the habitat
mosaic was perfect for kites. Secondly, Wildlife - the return of the red kite to its
much of the land, which the kites former range in North East England;
might use after release, was already
in the ownership or management of
People - the opportunity to give people
organisations (e.g. Gateshead Council,
and communities access to the kite, so
the National Trust and the Forestry
that they could enjoy and learn about
Commission) that manage their land
wildlife and the wider environment
holdings for nature conservation or
through the Project;
heritage interest. Thirdly, and very
Economics - the chance to show how
importantly, the area is easily accessible
such a project could be good not just for
to hundreds of thousands of people
wildlife and people, but also for the local
living in the Tyneside conurbation.
economy;
Whilst the North East is well known
Partnership – to show how partners
for its rich natural heritage, many
from the charitable, private and public
of the region’s most exciting wildlife
sectors, working in an imaginative way
spectacles are remote from the region’s
together could better deliver rewards
main population. Northern Kites offered
not just for wildlife, but also to improve
an exceptional opportunity to bring
local peoples’ quality of life.
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