Joe J Shute

The author pieces together the raven’s place in culture, history and modern life.

Why write about ravens?

I’m fascinated by raven intelligence and our shared history. With the world becoming a darker place, it seemed the perfect time to explore the life of this beautiful, awe-inspiring bird.

How are ravens currently faring in the UK?

Since 1995, there has been a 45 per cent increase in the number of ravens in Britain and a 121 per cent increase in England. There are now well in excess of 12,000 breeding pairs across the country, with birds present in every county.

Are ravens still at odds with humans?

Ravens are controversial among farmers who claim that the birds menace livestock, particularly lambs. I visited sheep farmers in northern Scotland who are calling to be allowed to cull ravens. It is an ongoing debate, with some birdwatchers insisting that ravens don’t actually attack livestock but rather only eat them if they are dead or injured.

What did you learn that most surprised you?

Ravens can mimic human voices. I visited Igraine Skelton, who keeps ravens at Knaresborough Castle. One of her birds greeted me in a broad Yorkshire accent, asking: “are you alright?”

What other intelligence did you come across?

That ravens can recognise and memorise human faces. And that captive ravens understand and attempt to insert themselves into human social hierarchies, teasing those they deem below them and ingratiating themselves with those above.

What was your most memorable encounter?

Spending a winter night in Newborough Forest on Anglesey and watching hundreds of ravens come in to roost. The sight and sounds of the forest filling with birds was like being in a different world.

Did you see any particularly fascinating behaviour?

I saw a raven foraging on an Anglesey beach. It got hold of a mussel, flew upwards and dropped it onto rocks to break it up, repeating the process several times to crack the shell. This behaviour was first recorded by 19th-century naturalist Thomas Nuttall, and I was delighted to see it for myself.

THE RAVEN GREETED ME IN A BROAD YORKSHIRE ACCENT.”