Golden Eagles Set for English Skies with Government Backing
Golden eagles are poised to become a permanent fixture in England's skies once again, with the government announcing a £1 million funding package to support their reintroduction as early as next year. The species, Britain's second largest bird of prey, was eradicated from England in the 19th century due to extensive hunting campaigns.
Forestry England is set to initiate a public consultation in collaboration with the charity responsible for the successful return of golden eagles to the Scottish borders. Restoring Upland Nature (RUN), the charity involved, has reported significant public enthusiasm for the return of the "impressive" species. However, farming communities have previously expressed concerns regarding the potential threat these predators could pose to livestock, particularly lambs.
Golden eagles are renowned for their speed, capable of reaching up to 200 mph during dives, and possess exceptional eyesight, able to detect a rabbit from three miles away. Despite these remarkable attributes, these apex predators were hunted to extinction in England and Wales due to fears they endangered livestock and grouse populations.
Following extensive research by Forestry England into suitable habitats and a successful re-establishment program along the Scottish border, the government is now endorsing a similar initiative in Northumberland. Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds stated, "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 UK is recognized as one of the countries most depleted in terms of nature, with 2023 research indicating that one in six species face extinction risk. The government has previously supported various species reintroduction programs, including those for pine martens, beavers, and whitefaced darter dragonflies, as part of broader efforts to reverse this decline.
Ed Parr Ferris, species recovery manager at Forestry England, highlighted the potential of reintroducing golden eagles to help manage populations of mesopredators, such as foxes and badgers. He explained, "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."
Forestry England's study identified eight optimal locations for new golden eagle populations out of 28 potential sites, considering climate, landscape, and minimal disturbance. Northumberland emerged as the preferred location, with other potential sites including the North Pennines, The Lakes, Yorkshire Dales, Bowland, South Pennines, North York Moors, and the South West.
Over the past eight years, 28 golden eagle chicks from the Scottish Highlands and Orkney Isles have been successfully reintroduced to the Scottish border region. While some of these birds have begun to migrate into England, natural expansion further south is projected to take 20 years without additional support.
RUN will spearhead the £1 million program in England over the next three years. Dr. Cat Barlow, CEO of RUN, indicated that chicks could be introduced as early as next summer, following a public consultation period with landowners and farmers. Dr. Barlow emphasized the importance of this initiative not only for the species but also for engaging the public in nature recovery efforts, noting that "something like a golden eagle can get new audiences excited, and get them aware of how the whole ecosystem can work together."
However, Professor Davy McCracken, professor of agricultural ecology at Scotland's Rural College, expressed skepticism about the feasibility of a meaningful consultation within an 18-month timeframe, citing the demanding seasonal schedules of land managers and farmers. William Maughan, National Farmers Union North Regional Board Chair, stressed the necessity of "thorough, meaningful and clear" engagement with farmers, stating, "Farmers cannot be expected to carry the cost, risk, and responsibility of poorly implemented reintroduction projects."
Concerns have been raised by farming communities, drawing parallels with the reintroduction of sea eagles in Scotland, where some farmers reportedly abandoned hill farms due to significant lamb losses attributed to the birds. The National Farming Union Cymru has also voiced similar apprehensions regarding potential impacts on livestock.
