RESTORE, one of the UK’s leading large-scale nature restoration companies, has completed an initial phase of a feasibility study exploring whether Britain’s wetlands could one day support the return of the Dalmatian pelican, a species that once roamed the British Isles but has been absent for centuries.

As part of the assessment, RESTORE invited two of Europe’s leading pelican specialists — Sebastian Bugariu of the Romanian Ornithological Society and Giorgos Catsadorakis, Chair of the Pelican Specialist Group, IUCN-SSC — to visit and assess a range of British wetland landscapes, including sites across the Norfolk Broads, Essex marshes and the Somerset Levels.

The Dalmatian pelican is one of Europe’s largest flying birds, with a wingspan of up to three metres. Unlike many reintroduction candidates, it is a wide-ranging, highly mobile species that depends on networks of healthy, connected wetlands, abundant fish stocks and suitable nesting areas. Its presence is widely regarded as an indicator of wetland ecological integrity at landscape scale.

During the visits, the team assessed wetland condition, fish availability, habitat connectivity and the broader ecological context of each landscape. The work forms part of an early-stage feasibility process and does not represent a decision to proceed with reintroduction.

Sebastian Bugariu said:

“This was very much an initial survey. It would be premature to draw definitive conclusions, but what is clear is that pelicans are demanding birds that rely on connected systems. They can travel long distances and use multiple wetlands, so the question is not just about individual sites, but about how landscapes function together.”

Giorgos Catsadorakis added:

“What I saw suggests that this species could genuinely become part of the region’s rich aquatic ecosystems.

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.”

RESTORE emphasised that the work is rooted in dialogue and evidence-gathering, and is being undertaken alongside engagement with conservation organisations, statutory bodies and land managers.

Benedict Macdonald, founding director of RESTORE and author of Rebirding, said:

“This is not about a fait accompli. It’s about listening - to scientists, to land managers, and to organisations who have spent decades restoring and protecting these wetlands. Any discussion about a species like the Dalmatian pelican has to be grounded in evidence, humility and long-term thinking.”

The feasibility work is being informed through conversations with organisations including Natural England, the Wildlife Trusts, the RSPB and the Zoological Society of London, alongside local stakeholders.

While Britain does not contain vast single wetlands on the scale of the Danube Delta, early insights suggest that networks of recovering wetlands, if restored and connected with sufficient ambition, may be capable of supporting wide-ranging species. Further ecological assessment, stakeholder engagement and public consultation would be required before any future decisions could be considered.

RESTORE will continue to work collaboratively with partners to explore what large-scale nature recovery could mean for Britain’s landscapes and what it would take to make space once again for species that test the health of entire ecosystems.

ENDS

About RESTORE

RESTORE is a nature restoration company delivering large-scale ecological restoration by working with landowners, companies, and investors to bring nature back and unlock its value. The company provides upfront funding and expertise for end-to-end restoration, helps companies meet ESG goals through credible UK-based nature credits, and offers investors access to a growing pipeline of high-integrity, impact-driven projects.

Founded by a team of lifelong naturalists, RESTORE was established out of a shared belief that nature recovery in the UK should not remain a niche conservation goal, but a mainstream land use and investment strategy. The company was seeded through the success of Rebirding, a landmark book written by the founder, Benedict Macdonald.

Media Enquiries:

Agata Rucin, Head of Marketing Communications

Agata.rucin@restorenature.com

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