Great white nests in UK

The great white egret, a species of heron, has nested in the UK for the first time, Natural England has confirmed.

Its nest, which was found concealed deep in reed beds at Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve in Somerset, is being given a 24-hour guard by staff and volunteers from Natural England, the RSPB and Somerset Ornithological Society.

Reserve manager Simon Clarke described the discovery of the nest as ?hugely exciting?. He said: ?Though chicks have not yet been seen, a significant change in behaviour has been noted which suggests we may soon have some very demanding new additions to the reserve.?

The rest of this article appears in the 30th May issue of Shooting Times.

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