Storks released in Devon for first time in 600 years

Conservationists have released 10 white storks in North Devon, in south-west England.

It comes as part of a long-term rewilding and species recovery project in the region.

It's the first time that the birds have returned to the county, after centuries of being extinct in the UK.

Storks were once a familiar sight across the country but vanished due to habitat loss and hunting.

What's happened?

The white storks were released from a farm in north Devon, after being raised in two large aviaries on the site.

Dorette Engi, who owns the farm, said that she along with her children had spent several years rewilding their land, which now includes recreated wetlands, mixed grasslands and restored woodlands.

Conservation organisation Keep It Wild also worked on the project to release the birds.

Ms Engi said those watching "all had their breath taken away" when the storks flew free for the first time.

"It's extraordinary. These birds haven't lived freely here in over 600 years, yet as soon as they were given the choice, they stepped out into the landscape like it had always been theirs," Ms Engi explained.

The birds are not being tracked with GPS, but early signs suggest they are staying close, building their strength and confidence before migrating abroad.

Nick Viney, director at Keep It Wild, added: "My hope is that more and more landowners will see these magnificent birds and be able to reimagine the land in their stewardship, into one where we can all thrive."

The storks are expected to leave in August and fly through France to Spain.

The hope is that they will then return to Devon, as long as there is a colony to come back to.