Rare heron seen at Somerset estate where river has been allowed to run free

Rare night heron spotted on Somerset estate Rare heron seen at Somerset estate where river has been allowed to run free Black-crowned night heron one of many species thriving at Holnicote Estate where river ‘reset’ has transformed area into lush oasis A rare black-crowned night heron has been spotted on an estate in the south-west of England where an innovative river “reset” is transforming the area into an oasis for birdlife. The heron was caught on camera in a jungly corner of the Holnicote Estate, where conservation experts have been restoring the landscape by allowing a river to return to its natural course. As well as the heron, charismatic birds including white-tailed eagles , white storks and cranes have been seen at the National Trust estate. View image in fullscreen Holnicote Estate, where conservation experts have been restoring the landscape by allowing a river to return to its natural course. Photograph: James Beck/National Trust/PA Ben Eardley, restore nature project manager for Somerset coast and countryside, said it had been incredible to see the heron. “It’s rare to see this wetland species in the UK and so exciting that we observed one on our estate cameras on three consecutive days,” he said. Eardley believes that more birds were congregating because so much of southern England is dry , while parts of Holnicote remain wet and lush. “Everywhere else is parched, so we’re seeing lots of wildlife utilise it and lots of interesting bird species arrive. It’s proving a real refuge.” View image in fullscreen Holnicote’s night heron, pictured, was spotted close to a camera set up to provide a livestream of the area. Photograph: National Trust As well as birds, the estate is providing a home or hunting grounds for water voles, otters, pine martens and grass snakes. The black-crowned night heron typically grows up to 66cm (26in), roughly half the length of the grey heron, which is commonly seen in the UK. It has grey plumage, yellow legs and a black “cap” from which trail long white plume feathers. As its name implies, it is mainly active at night. The bird is widespread across Africa, Asia, the Americas and mainland Europe. According to the British Trust for Ornithology, the first confirmed night heron breeding in the UK was recorded in Somerset in 2017 but it is categorised as a scarce visitor. Holnicote’s night heron was spotted close to a camera set up to provide a livestream of an area where beavers have been introduced to play a part in the landscape restoration. View image in fullscreen A black-crowned night heron in Romania. Photograph: Pal Hermansen/National Trust/PA Eardley said there were trout, sticklebacks, eels and European bullhead fish in the water there. “When we set up the camera, we weren’t sure how popular it would be but people have really got into it. The night heron appeared front centre.” Over the past 500 years, England has lost approximately 90% of its wetlands . Work is being done through organisations and partne