Black-winged stilt breeds in Kent marsh due to climate change
Bill Oddie visited the black-winged stilt in Spain 20 years ago One of the UK's rarest birds is raising a family in Kent after escaping record temperatures further south, nature experts say. Four black-winged stilt chicks have recently fledged in Worth Marshes, near Sandwich, after a pair of the birds arrived from Africa in the spring. It is believed the species is flying further north as climate change causes its natural habitat in countries like Spain to become too hot. "The wetland habitat is so incredibly important for them to breed," said Izzy Donovan, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) senior site manager at Dungeness and Worth Nature Reserves. Black-winged stilts flourish in marshland, making Worth Marshes an ideal habitat for them Ms Donovan said that the incredibly high temperatures in Spain were causing the birds' wetland to dry out. "As the climate warming continues, we expect the range expansion to come further and further north, she added. The nature reserve has been especially prepared to welcome black-winged stilts, which wildlife presenter Bill Oddie named "one of the world's most elegant birds". New water control structures have been put in that hold the water in the winter and control levels over spring and the summer. "It's been a big, big change but it's produced some wonderful results," RSPB warden Vicki Peaple said. Update 2 August 2023: This article was amended to include further information from the RSPB about the expected impact on bird migration of high temperatures in Spain and elsewhere. Ive never banked online - cash is still king Dad's fury after bus drivers leave 11-year-old daughter stranded Teenager robbed by gang of five during chase through busy city centre 'Our town needs a new leisure centre' Victim discovered in Folkestone with suspected stab wound in his head Second bid for luxury hotel and spa at country park Morocco rescuers dig with bare hands as foreign aid sent US denies Cold War with China in historic Vietnam visit How Russia and West agreed on Ukraine G20 language Florida's first hurricane-proof town The greatest spy novel ever written? Why is everyone crazy about Aperol? 2023 BBC.