On the menu at medieval banquets

÷ The fat of a heron killed at full moon was once believed to be a cure for rheumatism ÷ Roast heron was a popular dish at medieval banquets, with young birds called branchers the most prized ÷ There are about 63,000 herons in the UK, according to the RSPB ÷ Grey herons have a 6ft wing span but are light, weighing 4.5 to 9lbs ÷ Fish is their preferred food but they will also eat voles, frogs, toads and even ducklings ÷ The old English name was hragra and other names included harn and hernser

÷ Herne Hill, South London, takes its name from an archaic word for the bird

÷ If disturbed in their nest, herons often regurgitate their last meal to ward off intruders

÷ Herons and their nests are protected and it is illegal to kill, catch or hold them in captivity

÷ Mild winters and a curb on pesticides have helped their numbers rise

÷ They suffer badly in cold winters when ponds and streams are frozen for prolonged periods