Red kites found nesting in forest for 'first time'

The discovery of red kites in Sherwood has been considered a "significant record"

Red kites have been spotted nesting in Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire "for the first time".

The birds of prey were among a number of species observed by wildlife rangers in what has been called a "record-breaking year" at the site.

An annual "creature count" led by Center Parcs - which runs a resort in Sherwood Forest - also discovered rare butterflies, otters and bats.

Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust said red kites were once extinct in England, but finding them nesting showed the "plight of cherished species" could be turned around.

Red kites were extinct in England in the 19th century after being branded as vermin and killed, according to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).

The discovery of the birds within the Center Parcs resort at Sherwood Forest has been considered a "significant record" for the county.

Hundreds of bats were counted by rangers during the count

Richard Watson, ecology and biodiversity manager at Center Parcs, said: "From strange-looking fungi to majestic sightings of rare butterflies, otters and red kites, the survey demonstrates the rich biodiversity that exists right across our UK villages.

"It's an invaluable tool in shaping our habitat management and conservation strategies for years to come."

Rangers, ecologists and volunteers spend months reviewing and recording data to monitor wildlife populations and their habitat at Center Parcs sites across the UK.

'Fascinating' finds

In the last year in Sherwood Forest, rangers have ringed the highest number of birds in a year, including 315 blue tits, 70 great tits, 21 coal tits and 41 nuthatches.

At least eight of the 12 bat species recorded across the county were also observed across the site.

During the summer, rangers counted more than 200 bats from one roost, Center Parcs said.

A spokesperson for the wildlife trust, which works with Center Parcs, said the records from this year's count were "fascinating".

"Center Parcs Sherwood has long had a healthy bat population, supported by the efforts of the rangers in installing roosting boxes and to have red kites, a species that was once extinct in England, now nesting shows that with effort we can turn the plight of cherished species around," the spokesperson added.

The charity added that it hoped the creature count would inspire others to record the wildlife they see around them.