The Great Bustard (Otis tarda) is the worlds largest flying bird; males can weigh up to 50lbs (22kg). The world population is estimated at 35,000, but this is decreasing and the species is listed as vulnerable by IUCN. The remaining population strongholds are the Spanish and Russian Steppe. The birds inhabit areas of open grasslands, which they need for feeding and display, and arable crops, which they use for nesting.

Great Bustard's have been absent from the UK since 1830. They were wiped out because of hunting, egg harvesting and modernisation of agricultural practice. The introduction of farm machinery lead to many nests and eggs being destroyed. The expected increase in agriculture in the birds remaining territory means this species is threatened further.

Salisbury plain is a grassy plateau covering around 300 square miles (780 square kilometres) and is the most similar habitat Britain has to the Russian or Spanish Steppes. The Great Bustard used to inhabit the Wiltshire downs and Salisbury Plain was chosen for this reintroduction project as there will be no development or farming there (it is MoD land).

Various groups have collaborated on this project, lead by the Salisbury based Great Bustard Group. The University of Stirling, the Saratov Institute of Ecology (a part of the National Academy of Science of the Russian Federation) and DEFRA have all contributed in a showpiece of international cooperation.

The specially reared chicks arrived at Heathrow airport, from the Russian Steppe, at the beginning of August where they must spend 30 days in quarantine. They are due to be released into large enclosures at the beginning of September.

The eggs were collected in Russia from farm land where nests were likely to be damaged by farm machinery. Russian birds were chosen because genetic testing showed they are the most closely related to the extinct British population. The chicks were carefully reared, ensuring they did not imprint on their human foster parents. A glove puppet was used to teach the chicks to feed and handlers had to wear disguises when near the birds.

Check back for further updates on this project.