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Great White Egret Breeds in Wales for the First Time

Historic nesting at RSPB Cors Ddyga marks a new milestone for Welsh birdlife, as conservationists call for stronger protections in the forthcoming Environment Bill

Great White Egrets, (© Christopher Teague)

A milestone on Ynys Môn
For the first time in history, Great White Egrets have successfully bred in Wales. Four chicks fledged this summer from two nests at RSPB Cors Ddyga on Ynys Môn, a wetland reserve created to support species such as Bitterns and breeding waders.

Staff at the reserve had been monitoring the birds since early May, watching with both excitement and trepidation as the eggs hatched and the young grew. Their successful fledging marks the first proven breeding record for the species in Wales.

A growing presence in Britain

One of the adults at Cors Ddyga was already known to staff, having toured several RSPB reserves before finally settling to breed. The species first bred in the UK in Somerset in 2009 and, according to the Rare Breeding Birds Panel, now exceeds 100 pairs annually across six English counties. Their arrival in Wales reflects this broader expansion, driven by climate change, legal protection and the restoration of wetlands.

Conservation success and future challenges
Ian Hawkins, Site Manager at RSPB Cors Ddyga, said: “The team are thrilled to see such a beautiful addition to our breeding birds. We are so pleased that all the work to create wetlands for Bitterns and breeding waders has also provided a place for other wildlife to move into as they adjust to our changing climate.”

Julian Hughes, Head of Species for RSPB Cymru, highlighted how conservation management made the breakthrough possible: “Great White Egrets have spread in Europe thanks to improved legal protection, more favourable winter conditions due to climate change and increased prey availability. Above all, it is thanks to the creation and restoration of wetlands in which nature can thrive.”

A call for stronger environmental commitments
Despite the excitement, RSPB Cymru emphasised that Welsh nature remains in a worrying state. The organisation is urging the Welsh Government to strengthen the forthcoming Environment Bill by including legislative targets for species recovery, to ensure more success stories like this one.

August 2025

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