Breeding ravens return to county

The raven normally breeds in western and northern parts of the UK

A pair of ravens have successfully bred in Kent for the first recorded time in more than 100 years.

The National Trust confirmed the pair reared at least three fledglings this spring from a nest on the White Cliffs of Dover.

The last known recording of successful breeding in Kent was in 1890.

A National Trust spokesperson said they kept news of the breeding pair quiet until the fledglings were confident away from the nest.

The precise location of the nest site along the 12-mile stretch of cliffs has not been revealed in case the birds return to breed next year.

Much of the countryside of the White Cliffs of Dover, which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), is owned by the National Trust.

'Really happy'

Property manager Simon Ovenden said: "All our management of the site is geared towards improving habitats and biodiversity.

"Through our work we aim to encourage new species to colonise the area and increase the populations of species that are already here, so we were really happy to see ravens breeding."

He said the adult ravens were frequently "mobbed" by gulls, but had not bothered the three pairs of Peregrine falcons also nesting on the cliffs.

The raven is Britain's largest species of crow and normally breeds in western and northern parts of the UK.

Crispin Scott, nature conservation advisor for the National Trust in the South East, said: "It is a rare treat to see them here and even more of a pleasure to see them breed here."

Ravens were protected in the 16th Century because of an ability to scavenge and dispose of carrion.

However, by the 19th Century the breed was classed as vermin because of fears that ravens could attack livestock.

Six are kept at the Tower of London by a royal decree issued by Charles II.

Legend has it that if the birds leave the site, its White Tower will crumble and the Kingdom of England will fall.