RAVEN chicks have been successfully reared in Kent for the first time in 120 years after a pair of the birds nested at the White Cliffs of Dover.

At least three, and possibly four, fledgings were raised at the site.

News of the breeding pair was kept quiet until the fledglings were confident away from the nest for the bird's protection. The precise location of the nest site along the 12 mile stretch of cliffs is still not being revealed as it is hoped the birds may return next year to breed again.

Much of the countryside of the White Cliffs of Dover is owned and cared for by the National Trust. It is aSite of Special Scientific Interest and an Special Area of Conservation, meaning it is a site of conservation importance on a European scale.

Property Manager Simon Ovenden said: "Although we can't claim we influenced the decision of the ravens to nest along the cliffs, it is pleasing to add another species to the list of birds that nest at this world famous conservation site.

"All our management of the site is geared towards improving habitats and biodiversity. Through our work we aim to encourage new species to colonise the area and increase the populations of species that are already here, so we were really happy to see ravens breeding, especially as it's not been known in Kent for a long time, and hope they return next year.

"The adult ravens were frequently mobbed by the normally resident gulls, although the three pairs of Peregrine falcons also nesting on the cliffs seemed less bothered with the unexpected guests."

*Raven facts:

The raven is a member of the crow family. It is large black bird, bigger than a buzzard, with a large bill and long wings. It normally breeds in the west and north of the UK and although most birds are residents, some will wander from their breeding areas but not normally as far as the south east. It is rare to see them in this area.