After a long absence, three of these unusual birds re-appeared towards the end of 2001 on cliffs in the vicinity of Housel Bay. The National Trust believe that the changed conditions brought about by the way they manage the cliffside habitat, has encouraged the return of "lost" species like the chough as well as the flora which are such an important part of the equation.

During early May, 2002, a brood of four chough chicks hatched successfully, the first to do so in Cornwall for some fifty years. A second brood was hatched last year and - it is believed - a further generation is about to be celebrated. The nest site is being guarded by RSPB staff and volunteers.