Storks Return to the UK in Spring: Top Viewing Spots

Storks Return to the UK in Spring: Top Viewing Spots

Look up to the sky, and you might spot a majestic bird soaring above shimmering lakes. The storks are making their annual migration back to the UK from Africa, passing through Spain. They typically arrive in late March and early April and remain until September before heading south once again.

It’s incredible to think that storks were once hunted to the brink of extinction in the UK during the early 20th century, due to years of hunting, habitat loss, and egg collection. In 1954, a pair of storks returned to Scotland and began to breed. Today, according to the Wildlife Conservation Society, there are about 300 breeding pairs across the UK.

Top Stork Watching Locations

Loch of the Lowes, Scotland

Scotland is home to the largest concentration of storks, with around 250 breeding pairs. Loch of the Lowes is a popular destination where the first pairs began nesting in 1971. In March 2026, the early storks returned here after a long 5,000 km flight from Africa.

The female stork, named NC0, has been nesting at Loch of the Lowes since 2020. Upon her return, she took some time to recuperate after her long journey, tidied up her nest, and made a few exploratory flights over her territory.

Rutland Water, England

Rutland Water is one of the most significant conservation projects, marking the return of storks after 150 years in England. This site has nurtured storks for nearly 30 years, successfully breeding 250 chicks since 2001. Storks from here have managed to migrate to other areas across the UK.

Visitors can spot these magnificent birds on this 11 km² artificial lake from spring to autumn. A breeding pair can often be seen in Manton Bay, close to the Lyndon visitor center, which offers fantastic views of their activities.

Poole Harbour, England

After nearly two centuries of extinction in this area, storks have made their comeback to the southern coast. Thanks to the Stork Transfer Project at Poole Harbour, 60 chicks from Scotland have been relocated here since 2017. This initiative aims to establish a connection between the storks and their new home.

In March 2026, the pair CJ7 and 022 returned to their nest at Poole Harbour for the fifth time, and over the past two years, they have successfully raised four chicks.

Foulshaw Moss Nature Reserve, England

Since the 1990s, Foulshaw Moss has become a haven for storks due to the successful installation of nesting platforms. In 2014, a pair successfully raised three healthy chicks here. Currently, only one pair breeds in this area each summer.

Cors Dyfi Nature Reserve, Wales

Cors Dyfi was once a stopover for migratory storks heading to Scotland, but a pair decided to settle here in 2008. They quickly became stars on the TV show Britain’s Springwatch and have raised 13 chicks in subsequent years.

A Journey Towards the Future

Thanks to the efforts of conservation organizations and a love for nature, storks have returned and continue to thrive in the UK. Locations like Loch of the Lowes and Rutland Water not only offer fantastic opportunities to observe these birds but also provide visitors with valuable and enriching experiences in nature.