MATT BAKER
A welcome reunion with the cranes of the Somerset Levels.
I am now in my ninth year working on Countryfile and, having recently turned 40, I’ve realised that I’ve presented the programme for almost a quarter of my life. In that time, I have seen so much of Britain, revisited people and places and felt a sense of deja vu when driving into a car park at crazy o’clock after a Thursday One Show and feeling that at some time in the past decade I’ve stayed in this hotel.
Well, recently I revisited a project that has been such a triumph – its subject has become a symbol of wildlife success stories.
Having left the same hotel I stayed in four years ago, I found myself standing on top of the same hill, in the same field, overlooking the Somerset Levels to catch up with Damon Bridge from the RSPB, who has been a key figure in reintroducing the common crane here after a break of 400 years.
During our first encounter, I’d watched crane eggs imported from Germany tremble and crack before hatching in incubators. I’d fed young birds using long tongs shaped as cranes’ heads, while dressed in a huge grey sheet so they didn’t associate food with a human figure; and witnessed the intricate plan to create a wild flock that would thrive in the Somerset landscape. It was a delight to hear that the birds I’d seen as chicks were now breeding. Having naturally paired up, they are part of a 70-strong flock that migrate around the area, monitored closely by the whole community. This avid bunch comprises all ages, from the local primary school and businesses who have named all of the birds, to a hardy group of more expert volunteers compiling data on the cranes using ringing with a coloured band system. This allows any keen birdwatcher to identify and learn about each crane on the Great Crane Project website.
REGAL BIRDS
It’s a brilliant example of how experts and the community can work together, not only to protect but also to allow something to flourish through pride. These birds are seen as local celebrities, and they are so charismatic. Having staked them out from a hide at the top of a converted hay shed, I saw for myself these regal-looking birds parading around the Levels, casting a watchful eye across the water – their protection provides a benefit to all the wading and waterfowl in this huge wetland.
As our filming day continued, our encounters got better and better and by dusk, the cranes performed an impressive fly past on their way to roost. A ceremonial salute to all those below who have made it possible for them to thrive here once more.
“I fed young cranes using long tongs shaped as cranes’ heads while dressed in a huge grey sheet”