A number of successful reintroductions, starting in 1989, has seen red kites spread out and colonise new locations. However, they expand their range slowly, preferring to remain close to their natal home. Luckily, in 2005 one was seen at the Trust’s Belton Park near Grantham in Lincolnshire, but then none until 2011. Occasional sightings of individuals was becoming increasingly common as young birds moved slowly away from their birthplaces and the range of the species began to increase, so it wasn’t considered that exciting at the time.