Trust hails the godwit’s return

The first of 26 black-tailed godwits hand-reared by conservationists in Norfolk has returned to the UK after migrating to Portugal for the winter.

Raised at The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust Welney centre last year, the bird was released into the wild last summer. The male has now been seen on the banks of the Delph.

It is good news for the RSPB and the centre, which formed a partnership, Project Godwit, to help the species, which is in decline in the UK. With migration fraught with danger, the return of the bird is seen as a positive indicator for the birds’ survival.

Although some godwits return to their breeding site in the first year, it’s not unusual for others to remain in their wintering grounds.

Conservationists are encouraging people to look out for these special birds and to register sightings at projectgodwit.org.uk.

Samantha Herbert