The kite was the most common bird of prey in medieval England.

A group of 20 red kites were released near Gateshead in 2004, as part of an ambitious project to return the once-abundant species to the region.

Now volunteers from the Dutch nature conservation society are visiting the area to learn how the birds were introduced to a semi-urban environment.

Red kites, called rode wouw in Dutch, are very rare in Holland.

In medieval times the kites were the most common birds of prey in England, but their numbers dwindled almost to extinction in recent years.

The Dutch group will be meeting up with Northern Kites Project Manager Keith Bowey on Wednesday for a guided tour of the Derwent Valley in search of red kites and to explore some of the area's other special wildlife.

'Fantastic wildlife'

Mr Bowey said: "It's great news that word of the red kites has spread across the North Sea.

"I am very much looking forward to welcoming the party from Natuurmonumenten to Gateshead.

"I think they will be surprised by how much fantastic wildlife we have within the Tyneside urban fringe and see just how close to the city the kites have settled."

The Northern Kites project is managed by English Nature and the RSPB in partnership with Gateshead Council, Northumbrian Water, The National Trust and the Forestry Commission.