RED KITE REINTRODUCTION PROJECT IN WICKLOW

A programme is underway to restore the Red Kite, a native bird of prey, to both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.  This international, co-operative study follows the success of the Golden Eagle Reintroduction Project in Donegal and the outstanding success of several Red Kite reintroduction projects in Britain.  The birds are to be transported under licence from Wales, which is a stronghold of the species, and released in selected locations in the east of Ireland. The project is to start this year with the release of up to thirty kites in Wicklow, with the release in the North to begin in 2008.

The Red Kite, which was once common and widespread in these islands, became extinct in Ireland in the eighteenth century due to persecution, poisoning and woodland clearance.  Although the birds are natural scavengers, they feed extensively on earthworms, insects and small mammals such as rabbits.  The Red Kite does not present any threat to livestock and in parts of the UK they have become major tourist attractions as they perform spectacular aerial displays.

The Wicklow Red Kite Project is a partnership between the Golden Eagle Trust, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Welsh Kite Trust.  It is funded by grants from the Heritage Council and the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Further information from:

 Damian Clarke,

Golden Eagle Trust.

Tel: 086 3284463

E-mail:  mailto:lorcanotoole@eircom.net