In order to make this happen, several innovative conservation initiatives have had to be put in place. Among the most important of these include a captive breeding and release program, bracken management, the sowing of winter conservation bird crops and the reintroduction of traditional farming practices, especially the establishment of Jersey’s Conservation Grazing flock of Manx Loaghtan sheep.

Choughs have been re-introduced to Jersey’s north coast using birds reared at Durrell’s headquarters in Trinity and at Paradise Park in Cornwall. These birds have been released on Jersey’s north coast. All individuals within this small population have been ringed and also carry sophisticated electronics so that individuals can be identified and closely monitored. Tracking provides crucial information about the birds location and daily activities.

The coastal grassland habitat that these birds require for feeding is maintained by wind exposure, salt deposition and sheep grazing. The Manx Loaghtan grazing project at Le Don Paton therefore provides ideal habitat for the Choughs.

These iconic birds forage for invertebrate prey in areas of short turf and dung produced by the grazing sheep, and also use wool in nest building. Choughs likes to nest on sea cliffs but may at times use old buildings along the coast. Flocks can be seen wheeling over the sea, their high calls carrying on the wind, or probing the short turf for insects on the clifftops.