A score of rare black-tailed godwits were released into their new home in the Fens as part of a conservation first.

Eastern Daily Press: The godwit project. Picture: Bob EllisThe godwit project. Picture: Bob Ellis (Image: Bob Ellis)

The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) hand-reared the young birds until they were old enough to look after themselves. They did this by removing the eggs from their nests and hatching them in incubators.

This conservation technique, managed by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, is named headstarting and it is the first time it has been used in the UK.

Eastern Daily Press: Black-tailed godwits released in the Fens. Picture: Bob EllisBlack-tailed godwits released in the Fens. Picture: Bob Ellis (Image: Bob Ellis)

25 black-tailed godwits were released on Monday, June 12, and are expected to meet other black-tailed godwits. They will spend several weeks feeding on the rich wetlands before starting their migration to Spain, Portugal and West Africa.

WWT's Nicola Hiscock said: 'It has been a nerve-wracking day, but I'm delighted to say that all the godwits have now taken their first flights in the open air and started to explore.'