First Purple herons ever to nest in the UK at Dungeness

Purple herons have nested in UK for the first time. Photo credit Adrian Kettle.

May 2010. For the first time in recorded history a pair of Purple herons is nesting in the UK. However the site, at Dungeness in Kent, is under threat from an airport development at Lydd.

Nest protection
The striking birds breed in southern Europe and visit the UK in small numbers each year. But the nesting pair which recently made its home on the Dungeness peninsula is set to be the first to lay eggs and raise young in the UK. The RSPB has set up a round-the-clock Species Protection Scheme to protect what could be the first successful breeding pair of purple herons ever recorded in the UK. Kent police are helping the RSPB to protect the nest.

Climate change
Dr Mark Avery, the RSPB's conservation director, said: "Purple herons are high up on the list of birds that we expect to see setting up home in southern Britain as the changing climate pushes them further north. This highlights the importance of wildlife havens like Dungeness in providing space for species displaced by global warming."

RSPB expect more Purple herons in the future
Although purple herons have struggled in Europe over the last few decades, experts say the numbers of breeding purple herons are expected to increase in the UK in the years to come.

PC Michael Laidlow, Environmental Crime Coordinator at Kent Police, said: "We would remind any members of the public that any attempt to intentionally damage an occupied nest or remove eggs constitutes a criminal offence. This is a popular area for birdwatchers and the local community so I would urge anyone in the area who sees any suspicious activity to call the RSPB or Kent Police on (01622) 690 690." 

Don't come hoping to see the herons as you are likely to be disappointed.

Dr Avery added: "At the moment there is little for visitors to see as the birds are sitting tight on the nest. The area is a great place to visit and is teeming with spring wildlife - but please don't come hoping to see the herons as you are likely to be disappointed.

"If the eggs hatch successfully then we hope to set up a viewing station at a safe distance away from which the public will be able to catch a glimpse of this historic wildlife moment."

Time to stop Lydd Airport expansion
Meanwhile the RSPB is calling on the government to call in the planning applications for proposed expansion at Lydd Airport. The local authority Shepway District Council controversially consented the applications in the face of a recommendation to refuse given on environmental grounds by the councils own planning officials. So far over 10,000 representations have been made to the Government Office of the South East to ensure this decision is scrutinised in a full public inquiry.