Wildlife of Britain

The Greylag Goose in Britain: Native Wildfowl and Modern Recovery The Greylag Goose (Anser anser) is Britain’s only native grey goose and the wild ancestor of most domestic goose breeds.  Broad-winged, heavy-bodied and pale grey-brown in tone, it is a characteristic bird of wetlands, lochs and lowland farmland.  Unlike introduced geese, the Greylag is part of Britain’s natural avifauna, with a history stretching back to post-glacial colonisation. Origins and Status The Greylag Goose is native to Europe and western Asia.  In Britain, it historically bred widely in marshes and fens but suffered declines due to: • Wetland drainage • Egg collection • Hunting pressure By the 19th century, breeding populations had become restricted largely to the Scottish Highlands and islands. During the 20th century, protection measures and wetland restoration supported a strong recovery. Reintroductions and natural recolonisation expanded the species’ breeding range back into England and Wal...

The Canada Goose in Britain: Expansion, Ecology and Impact The Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) is one of the most recognisable large birds in Britain today.  With its bold black neck and white chinstrap, it is now a familiar presence on lakes, reservoirs, rivers and parkland across the country. Yet unlike native wildfowl such as the greylag goose, the Canada Goose is an introduced species whose success story has reshaped parts of Britain’s wetland ecology. Origins and Introduction to Britain The Canada Goose is native to North America. It was first introduced to Britain in the 17th century as an ornamental bird for estates and park lakes. Over time, escaped and released birds established wild populations. By the 20th century, deliberate releases and natural spread allowed the species to expand widely.  Today, it is naturalised throughout England, much of Wales, lowland Scotland and parts of Northern Ireland. Although fully established, it is not considered native to Britain. ...