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The golden eagle is set to make a permanent comeback to England’s skies, following a government pledge of £1 million to support its reintroduction, potentially starting next year. This majestic bird, the country’s second largest bird of prey, had disappeared from England in the 19th century due to intensive hunting efforts aimed at eradicating it. Forestry England, together with the conservation charity responsible for the species’ successful re-establishment near the Scottish border, will soon initiate a public consultation to discuss the plans.
The charity Restoring Upland Nature (RUN) has observed broad public enthusiasm for the golden eagle’s return, although concerns persist among farming communities regarding the bird’s potential impact on livestock, particularly lambs. Known for their remarkable speed, diving at up to 200 mph, and their extraordinary eyesight capable of detecting prey from three miles away, golden eagles were historically exterminated in England and Wales because they were seen as threats to both livestock and game birds. After a thorough assessment of suitable habitats and the success of reintroducing the species along the Scottish border, the government is now advancing a parallel restoration project targeting Northumberland.
Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds emphasized the ecological importance of the golden eagle, stating, “Aside from being Britain’s second largest bird of prey with an impressive two-metre wingspan, the golden eagle is a keystone species that can play a vital role in nature recovery more widely.” The government has a record of supporting species reintroductions aimed at enhancing biodiversity, including projects involving pine martens, beavers, and white-faced darter dragonflies. Ed Parr Ferris from Forestry England highlighted the golden eagle’s role in controlling populations of mesopredators like foxes and badgers, contributing to a balanced ecosystem. “Golden eagles are impressive and beautiful birds, and one of our only remaining apex predators in Britain. Any predator applies a pressure on a system to balance all the different other animals that are living in that place … allow[ing] space for rarer animals to survive and to thrive,” he explained.
After evaluating 28 potential sites, Forestry England identified eight that provide the right combination of climate, landscape, and minimal disturbance, with Northumberland emerging as the most promising. Over the past eight years, 28 chicks from the Scottish Highlands and Orkney Isles have been relocated to the Scottish border, where they have successfully established a population. Some of these birds have occasionally moved into England, but without deliberate intervention, natural expansion southward is expected to take up to twenty years. RUN will oversee the £1 million English project over three years, starting with consultations involving landowners and farmers. Dr Cat Barlow, RUN’s CEO, anticipates that chicks may be released as early as next summer and underscored the broader conservation message, saying, “It is really difficult to get people excited about peat restoration. But something like a golden eagle can get new audiences excited, and get them aware of how the whole ecosystem can work together.”
Concerns remain among agricultural stakeholders, with Professor Davy McCracken of Scotland’s Rural College cautioning that the consultation period of 18 months might be insufficient given the seasonal demands on farmers’ availability. Likewise, William Maughan, Chair of the National Farmers Union North Regional Board and a farmer himself, stressed the necessity for “thorough, meaningful and clear” engagement to ensure the project’s success. He warned, “Farmers cannot be expected to carry the cost, risk, and responsibility of poorly implemented reintroduction projects.”
Despite the often negative reception to the return of large birds of prey, experts note important distinctions in golden eagle behavior. Ed Parr Ferris acknowledged that while golden eagles may occasionally prey on small lambs, such instances are rare and the birds more frequently feed on carrion. Research estimates that these eagles would account for between 0.15% and 3% of lamb losses within their hunting range. Dr Barlow highlighted the transformation in attitudes witnessed in Scotland, where initial mistrust between conservationists and shooting communities has diminished, partly due to employing a retired gamekeeper to foster cooperation. This has led to shooting estates assisting in building artificial nests. Professor McCracken added that while the Scottish project offers reassurance, it’s important to consider cumulative effects when multiple predator species are reintroduced simultaneously.
The possibility of human-wildlife conflict remains a concern, underscored by recent incidents such as the discovery of a relocated eagle named Hamlet, found injured from pellet wounds in the Scottish Borders. To protect the birds, the government has chosen not to disclose the precise release location planned for Northumberland. The initiative reflects ongoing efforts to balance species restoration with the interests and livelihoods of local communities
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