Two scarce birds of prey have successfully reared chicks at Cotswold Water Park.
Marsh harriers nested at the beauty spot that spans two counties – Wiltshire and Gloucestershire – earlier this year and raised two young.
Cotswold Lakes Trust said it was “delighted” to announce the news but could not release the exact location of the birds’ nest to ensure they are not disturbed.
“This is the first time that these scarce birds of prey have been proved to breed in the area, following on from suspected breeding in 2020 when Covid-19 lockdown restrictions prevented sufficient monitoring.”
The Trust said it suspected they also bread in 2020, but this could not be proved due to restrictions preventing regular monitoring.
“The exact location is not being disclosed, to avoid disturbance or persecution if they return next year. Marsh Harriers are given extra legal protection in the UK through their inclusion on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act (1981).
“As recently as 1971 only a single pair of Marsh Harriers bred in the whole of the UK. Protection of the birds and development of suitable wetland habitats, which usually feature marshland and extensive reedbeds, has allowed them to expand to a population of around 400 pairs.
“In recent years sightings of these impressive birds have increased dramatically in the Cotswold Water Park area, particularly through the winter months, and local wildlife enthusiasts hoped that a pair staying to breed would follow.
“The success of the harriers follows closely on the heels of the first proved breeding in the Cotswold Water Park of Bitterns and Great White Egrets in 2020. Cotswold Lakes Trust staff and volunteers, who have monitored the successful nesting attempts of all 3 species, are delighted that the habitats created in the area to benefit wildlife have now attracted such an impressive trio of very scarce breeding birds.”
