The grey partridge (or English partridge) is a once common native bird, now on the Birds of Conservation Concern ‘red list’. Red is the highest conservation priority, with species needing urgent action. Government policy now encourages farmers to make changes to their practices and provide areas for wildlife and birds such as the grey partridge to survive and thrive.
Our annual grey partridge wildlife conservation project for schools is unique to Incredible Eggs and we are delighted to have watched the number of participating schools increase year on year since it’s inception. However, we’re even more delighted to report that thanks to this project and the efforts of all concerned, grey partridges are now flourishing in areas where they had previously all but disappeared from the landscape.
Grey partridges are very territorial birds, so for this years release a site was selected which is well away from the branch farm in Kent. Enough birds from previous releases have now established themselves into successful breeding pairs in this location, and it is important they are left undisturbed by new arrivals.
This years youngsters were therefore relocated to private land 4 miles away, which had been carefully evaluated to ensure it contains everything the birds will need for the best chance to survive and thrive. A bigger pen was built to contain the larger number of birds and they lived there for two weeks prior to their release. This is because grey partridges are location-orientated – and they now know exactly where their feeding station is located, should they need supplementary food or water as they explore their new environment and make the transition to wild living.
So, the big day arrived and London and South East branch managers Kate and Giles expertly managed the release. Below is their video – we will never tire of watching these extraordinary little birds take to the skies for the first time! Enjoy!
An enormous well done to all the branch managers, landowners and participating schools involved for making this wonderful wildlife conservation effort happen once again. We hope the birds go forth, multiply and that the force is with them!
You can find out more about our grey partridge wildlife conservation project here.
