Red Kites Flying High in County Down

Environment Minister Edwin Poots today visited a remote location in County Down to view a re-introduction project of the endangered bird species, the red kite.

This project, managed by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), began last year with the release of 27 red kites into the same area. Over the duration of the three year project RSPB aim to release at least 70 red kites to south County Down.

The red kite is one of the few globally threatened bird species occurring in the UK and Ireland. They are largely scavengers feeding mainly on carrion but they will take a wide variety of food including worms, insects, mice and rats. They are not seen as a threat to local wildlife populations. Red kites are released under licence from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency.

Speaking after his visit Mr Poots said: “This project aims to assist the expansion of red kites in the UK and on the island of Ireland and complements the re-introduction scheme being undertaken in County Wicklow”.

“I commend the good work of the RSPB in managing this project which will go a long way to enhancing the conservation status of this endangered species.”

Notes to Editors

1 In the 1980s a small declining population of the red kite was restricted to central Wales. However, re-introduction schemes were initiated by RSPB and government conservation agencies in 1989 and these have been very successful.

2 Over 900 pairs now occur in Great Britain and the red kite re-introduction schemes have received a high public profile and benefited local communities and local economies. This is the first reintroduction project in Northern Ireland.

3 The project has generated public interest and RSPB have been engaging the local communities with the project and have instigated an ‘adopt a kite’ scheme with local schools.

4 For media enquiries please contact DOE Press Office 028 9054 0014 or out of office hours, contact the EIS Duty Press Officer on pager 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.