On the May Bank Holiday, crowds flocked to Storrington to celebrate the return of white storks to our skies and the growing movement for community-led nature recovery.

The day marked a proud milestone: Knepp and Storrington becoming the UK’s members of the European Stork Village Network. These are the first new sites to join in over a decade, and the only ones in the UK to receive the title.

It couldn’t be more fitting. Storks are deeply social birds, building their nests in colonies high in the trees, just as we build networks across communities and borders to protect and restore nature.

Four generations gathered for a joyful day of talks, nature stalls, dancing, youth activities and a moving stork-inspired performance at the parish church. People of all ages came together in a joyful celebration, united by a shared love for our remarkable white storks and the community they inspire. Thank you all for filling the day with energy, optimism and connection. Moments like these show what’s possible when we come together for wildlife.

Thank you to everyone who made it such a special celebration of local action, global connection and wild hope. We’re already looking forward to next year!