Grab a chance to discover Somerset’s wild cranes

Now the RSPB is offering people a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the magic of Somerset's first wild reintroduced cranes.

Starting on Friday 20th January, RSPB are running six "dates with the cranes" including a talk, refreshments, video, and an escorted trip to a secret lookout to see the flock of thirty wild cranes.

The Great Crane Project, a partnership between The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, The Pensthorpe Conservation Trust and RSPB, with major funding from Viridor Credits is now in its third year of bringing the birds back to the county.

Damon Bridge, Great Crane Project manager, said: "To show people wild cranes in Somerset will be spine-tingling. The interest in this project is huge. Cranes are a badge of identity for the Somerset Levels and Moors. To re-establish a population of birds is a massive achievement and the sight we are offering is truly breathtaking,"

The events are running on Fri 20th Sat 21st Thu 26th January and Fri 3rd, Sat 4th, Fri 10th & Sat 11th February 10.30 - 13.30. Meet at the Willow and Wetlands Centre, Stoke Saint Gregory, TA3 6HY. Events include a talk about the Great Crane Project, trip to a secret crane lookout station, soup & a hot drink, and chance to see a chapter of RSPB's hit crane film "Born to Fly".

£12.50 per person: not suitable for under 12s. Booking essential. To book please call the Willow and Wetlands Centre on 01823 490249. Deposit required. Price includes £2 donation to Somerset hospice and £5 to the RSPB. Own transport essential for trip to crane lookout. Stout footwear and all weather clothing essential.

For more information about the Great Crane Project visit www.thegreatcraneproject.org.uk