Cirl buntings Emberiza cirlus have disappeared from large parts of the UK, but are still relatively abundant in coastal areas of South Devon. There is a continuing range retraction and so for this reason aviculturists from Paignton Zoo Environmental Park, along with others, have been working to translocate birds of the current year for rear and release at a suitable site in the adjacent county of Cornwall.
The Cirl bunting re-introduction programme has been progressing since 2006 and is especially successful. The potential for achieving a self-sustaining population of this attractive bunting away from Devon is very good.
  
This project is a partnership involving Paignton Zoo Environmental Park, Natural England, the RSPB, the National Trust and ZSL.
Click here for more information and to visit the RSPB website.
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