The red-billed chough (pronounced 'chuff') was once a common species in Kent and has long links with the county’s heritage; it even appears on the coat of arms of Canterbury. According to legend, the bird acquired its red beak and legs after paddling in the blood of the slain Sir Thomas Becket. However, the species became extinct in the county due to habitat loss and persecution. After a 200-year absence, they have returned thanks to the conservation efforts of the Kent Wildlife Trust, Wildwood Trust, and Paradise Park.

In 2021, supporters raised £60,000 to launch the Chough Reintroduction Project, which led to the first-ever free-flying red-billed choughs being returned to the White Cliffs of Dover in 2023. Since then, additional releases have increased in number. The project is now entering its third year of the release phase, and the charities need to raise £50,000 to continue their work.

All donations received through partner GiveMatch, a partner platform which enhances charitable donations, between December 1 and December 14 will be tripled. Donations received through GiveMatch after December 14 and before January 31 will be doubled. The funds will contribute to the continuation of the project, including expert care for red-billed chough chicks, hand-rearing equipment and shelter to allow them to thrive.

The project has progressed significantly since the first birds were released in the summer of 2023. All of the birds are now regularly seen around the White Cliffs as well as Dover Castle, where one pair built a nest and successfully hatched a chick. Although the young bird is believed to have perished in strong winds, this was a milestone for the team, who thought it would take several more years before the chough would breed in the wild. 

Paul Hadaway, Director of Conservation, says: "The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world, but the story of the red-billed chough in our county gives us great hope for the future. The chalk grassland restoration work over the last few decades has created the right habitat to support this iconic bird, and that is a cause for celebration.

“We can’t do this alone. Donations to the red-billed chough project go beyond simply increasing bird populations in our landscape. Supporters are enhancing our efforts to ensure that Kent has the necessary landscape for wildlife to thrive. Please, if you can, donate today."

Work to improve the chalk grassland habitat in the Dover area continues, aiming to create suitable environments for the chough and other wildlife. Recently, Kent Wildlife Trust partnered with other conservation and heritage groups to launch the ‘Reaching Greater Heights’ project. This initiative, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, involves collaboration among English Heritage, Kent Wildlife Trust, the White Cliffs Countryside Partnership, and the Western Heights Preservation Society to restore 80 hectares of precious chalk grassland habitat across Dover Castle and the Western Heights in Dover.

Can you help?

If you would like to support the Red-billed Chough reintroduction project, you can donate by clicking here.

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