Smardale Gill Viaduct: Rescuer frees trapped raven

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cumbria-57126832

Version 0 of 2.

Rescuers used "careful manoeuvring and rope-work" to free the bird

A mountain rescuer abseiled down the side of a 90ft (27m) viaduct to save a trapped raven.

The fledgling bird became entangled in its nest under the arches of Smardale Gill Viaduct near Kirkby Stephen in Cumbria.

A volunteer from Kirkby Stephen Mountain Rescue Team was lowered to free the raven after Cumbria Wildlife Trust called for help on Friday.

The freed bird was said to have appeared uninjured but "a little weak."

The viaduct, which was built in 1861, crosses the Scandal Beck Valley.

A rescuer was lowered down the viaduct to free the bird

The fledgling had become entangled in its nest

"The location was quite difficult to reach as it was under the main viaduct bed, so some careful manoeuvring and rope-work was required to gain safe access," a spokesman said.

"Hopefully it will now be able to leave the nest and enjoy the beautiful Smardale Nature Reserve."

Follow BBC North East & Cumbria on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk.