Longleat steps up support for Wiltshire County bird project

Wednesday, 19 August 2026 12:04

PHOTO: Tom Anders, Longleat Great Bustard Project

The population of a once-extinct bird is experiencing a boost thanks to Longleat’s increased support for the Great Bustard Group’s ground-breaking conservation work.

The county bird of Wiltshire, the Great Bustard, became extinct in the UK in the 19th century but was reintroduced by the Great Bustard Group to the Salisbury Plain in 2004. However, it is still classified as globally endangered.

Now, the Wiltshire County flag that features the Great Bustard is to be flown at Longleat to raise awareness for the species as the estate steps up its involvement by supporting the Great Bustard Group’s headstarting programme and playing a key role in the formation of the new Great Bustard Partnership.

The species' recovery has been gradual, as it reproduces and spreads slowly from the areas where it is released. However, using a conservation practice called headstarting, the Great Bustard Group has successfully established multiple sub-populations across the Salisbury Plain.

Headstarting involves removing eggs from nests at risk of predation or loss from human activities such as silage cutting or harvesting. These eggs are then incubated, and once hatched, the chicks are reared by hand-rearing specialists. Once they are big enough, they are released back into the wild through a process called soft release, during which they are supported until they decide they no longer need it.

Longleat’s Conservation and Research Manager, Dr Tom Lewis, visited the Great Bustard Project to meet this year’s chicks.

Dr Tom said, “The Great Bustard Project has worked tirelessly to establish the Great Bustard back on Salisbury Plain. The species is an iconic bird of open farmland and grassland habitats. We hope that our increased support can contribute to ensuring the species can become a self-sustaining population in the south of England once again.”

David Waters said, “The ongoing and increased support from Longleat makes a real difference to the project, and to the UK's Great Bustard population.

"At a time when many species are declining, it is wonderful to have an increasing population of Great Bustards, and this is only possible with supported conservation actions.”

Dr Tom Added, “Longleat has supported the Great Bustard Project for over five years and is now stepping up its support for their vital headstarting programme, as well as playing our part in the newly established Great Bustard Partnership. This is all part of our efforts to balance our international and local conservation work. This means continuing our long-term support for our existing partners and increasing our efforts in local native species conservation.”

The Great Bustard Group are holding their annual Open Day Weekend on Saturday 12th – Sunday 13th September, with guided visits to reintroduction sites, networking opportunities and presentations and talks from conservation experts, including Longleat's Dr Tom.