Rare chicks hatch after rainfall

Great crested grebes have produced chicks at Arlington reservoir

Heavy rainfall has led to unusual chicks hatching in reed beds at the Arlington Reservoir in Sussex.

Great crested grebes need water levels to be high in their preferred nesting ground to keep their young safe.

South East Water ranger Richard Dyer said grebes had lived at the reservoir for many years but this was the first time chicks had hatched.

He said one pair of grebes at the reservoir near Berwick produced four chicks, and another pair had three.

Great crested grebes have ornate head plumes which led to them being hunted for their feathers - almost leading to their extinction.

There are now thought to be about 9,400 breeding pairs in the UK, according to the RSPB.