White storks set for historic return to Derbyshire - after vanishing 600 years ago

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust has announced an ambitious new project which aims to reintroduce white storks and establish a healthy breeding population in the Midlands - more than 600 years after they vanished from the region.

The project marks the next major step in its long-term strategy to restore lost species.

As a key indicator of healthy wetland ecosystems, white storks play an important role in enhancing biodiversity, regulating small animal populations, building and abandoning nests that support other birds, and connecting different sites as they fly between them.

The endearing species, often depicted delivering babies in beloved stories, also inspire a connection between people and nature.

The iconic native species would have been present across the county until the 14th century, when loss of habitat and hunting led to their disappearance. More recently, sightings have increased, including birds recorded flying over Willington Wetlands in 2024 and nearby in 2025, but none have yet stayed to breed.

Supported by more than £300,000 from Veolia Environmental Trust through the Landfill Communities Fund, the project represents an exciting opportunity for white stork recovery in the region.

Centred at Willington Wetlands, the Trust plans to create a purpose-built white stork enclosure in consultation with Celtic Rewilding, specialists running a captive breeding facility just over the border in Staffordshire.

The enclosure is located within a low-disturbance conservation area.

It is designed to be predator-proof and adaptable for future species recovery projects.

The site will support breeding, chick development and carefully managed soft releases into the wider landscape.

A pair of flightless storks will also be introduced to the site to help attract wild birds moving through the Trent Valley and encourage settlement and breeding.

This will be a community-led project with local volunteers engaged in habitat restoration across the reintroduction site.

There is also the development of a digital experience to engage new visitors and those who can’t access the site, creating a platform for volunteers to share their sightings, photos and video footage.

Willington Wetlands has been identified as a critical stepping stone for stork recovery. The 113-acre reserve sits beside the River Trent, a key ecological corridor, and hosts dynamic wetland habitat shaped by natural rewilding processes, including the activity of beavers. These processes are creating wet grassland, open pools and reedbeds that provide ideal foraging and nesting conditions for storks.

Katie Last, Living Landscape Officer at Derbyshire Wildlife Trust said: “We could not be more excited about bringing white storks back to the Midlands, a species that has been absent from these skies for over 600 years.

“This project isn’t just about returning an iconic bird; it’s about reigniting people’s wonder for nature and showing what’s possible when communities come together for wildlife.

“Their return offers a powerful opportunity to engage communities with nature recovery, rewilding and the restoration of lost species.

“Through events and volunteering, the Trust will work closely with local communities to help people reconnect with wildlife and play an active role in the storks’ return.

“From this first purpose-built, nature-rich enclosure to connecting communities with a wild population, every step will help strengthen wetland habitats, boost biodiversity, and inspire people of all ages to reconnect with nature on their doorstep.

Andrew Brown, Executive Director at The Veolia Environmental Trust, said: "We’re proud that our grant of £309,386 will enable Derbyshire Wildlife Trust to reintroduce this iconic species to Willington Wetlands.

“Tackling global challenges like biodiversity loss often starts with local action, and we hope that our funding is the catalyst for action in Derbyshire".

Harvey Tweats, Director of Celtic Rewilding, added: “This project offers a rare opportunity to facilitate the return of a key missing species.

“The Trent Valley is uniquely placed to support white stork recovery in the Midlands, combining extensive wetland habitats with restoration opportunities in former gravel pits.

“The potential is reinforced by historical evidence, with archaeological finds and place names around the Humber pointing to the species’ former presence.”

The storks are expected on site this summer.