NATURE reserve staff are celebrating after two rare birds of prey successfully hatched for the first time this summer.

Two marsh harrier chicks are fledging at RSPB Saltholme thanks to the hard work of the team in managing the reedbed habitat.

It is the first time the birds have bred on the site since it opened in 2009.

Marsh harrier populations declined in the 1970s due to the pesticide DDT which entered the food chain and poisoned the birds.

The RSPB campaigned to have DDT banned and succeeded, which resulted in the population of marsh harriers and other birds of prey increasing and using reserves such as RSPB Saltholme to raise their chicks.

Ed Pritchard, RSPB Saltholme’s warden said: “It is great to have a successful pair of breeding marsh harriers here.

"They are frequent visitors and are often seen flying low over the reedbed but to have them make it their home is very exciting.”

RSPB Saltholme has many birds of prey using the reserve all year round and to raise awareness they are hosting a Bird of Prey event on Saturday, August 10 from 10.30am to 1.30pm. There will be a programme of talks, family activities, a tombola and the opportunity to find out more about the birds.