Take a ramble in search of Red Kites

01/11/2006

A guided walk in search of North East England’s red kites is taking place on Saturday 18th November.  Experts from the Northern Kites project will be leading the walk, which starts at the Thornley Woodland Centre near Rowlands Gill.
The kites, which have a 5-foot wingspan, have been re-introduced to Gateshead’s Derwent Valley and this is a chance to look for the spectacular birds in the company of an expert.

The event is free but advance booking is essential by calling (0191) 496 1555.  The walk starts at 1pm and will take around two hours.  The walk is suitable for all ages but will involve some walking over rough ground and may include some steps and stiles.

Northern Kites is the project that is bringing the red kite back to north east England.  Northern Kites is managed by the RSPB and Natural England, in partnership with Gateshead Council, Northumbrian Water, The National Trust and Forestry Commission, with additional funding from Heritage Lottery Fund and SITA Trust.

Since 2004, 94 red kites have been released into north east England in Gateshead’s Derwent Valley.  This year two pairs of kites successfully nested in the region and raised three chicks – they were the first red kites to be raised in nests in the north east for around 200 years.

Red kites used to be widespread and common in the north east, but human persecution led to their extinction in England and Scotland by 1870 and 1890 respectively. Only a few pairs survived in central Wales at the beginning of the 20th century.  Since 1989, red kites have been re-introduced into the wild in several areas of England and Scotland.
The Northern Kites project is a world first in returning red kite so close to a major urban conurbation. Visitors from as far away as Japan and the USA have already visited Gateshead’s Derwent Valley to see the kites.

For further information, please contact:
David Hirst, RSPB Northern England regional office: 0191 233 4321
Rhianne Dixon, Northern Kites project on 0191 496 1555