Largest bird to ever live in UK could make a return

A plan is being considered to reintroduce the largest bird to have ever lived in Britain.

The Dalmatian pelican lived in Britain thousands of years ago, but was driven to extinction during medieval times.

Nature restoration company RESTORE said it has been conducting studies to explore whether the bird could be reintroduced to British wetland landscapes including sites across the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads, Essex marshes and the Somerset Levels.

"Experts are of the view Britain is definitely worth exploring further [as to] whether the Dalmatian pelican could be reintroduced," said Benedict MacDonald from RESTORE.

The Dalmatian pelican is one of Europe's largest flying birds with a wingspan of up to three metres (9ft 8in).

There are thought to be about 10,000-20,000 of them left in the world, with the largest colony at Lake Mikri Prespa in Greece.

The bird was wiped out in Britain due to a combination of wetland drainage and human disturbance, with Macdonald adding they were considered a "very good source of food" by our ancestors.

According to fossil records, they were very common in Somerset, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Gloucestershire and Yorkshire.

In order to thrive, they depend on networks of healthy, connected wetlands, abundant fish stocks and suitable nesting areas.

According to Rewilding Britain, supporting the bird's return would encourage the large-scale restoration and protection of wetland habitats.

Giorgos Catsadorakis, chair of the pelican specialist group IUCN-SSC said: "Looking ahead, healthy pelican populations could serve as a powerful indicator of successful wetland management, reflecting the care, coordination and long-term commitment needed to conserve these landscapes while supporting the many social, cultural and ecological benefits they provide."

Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.