Golden eagles’ return to English skies gets government backing

Golden eagles’ return to English skies gets government backing

The UK government has announced a £1m investment to support the reintroduction of golden eagles into English skies, aiming to restore the species as a permanent part of the country’s natural landscape by next summer. These majestic birds, Britain’s second-largest raptor, were eradicated from England in the 19th century due to intensive hunting campaigns. Now, Forestry England is collaborating with the charity Restoring Upland Nature to initiate a public consultation process, which could pave the way for a new population in Northumberland.

Restoring Upland Nature, responsible for the successful return of golden eagles to the Scottish border, has highlighted broad public support for the project. However, local farming communities have voiced concerns about the potential impact on livestock, particularly lambs. Golden eagles are known for their remarkable speed, capable of diving at up to 200mph, and their exceptional eyesight, which allows them to detect prey from over three miles away.

Once thriving across Britain, golden eagles were driven to extinction in England and Wales due to their perceived threat to livestock and grouse populations. After extensive research by Forestry England, the species was successfully reintroduced along the Scottish border, with 28 young eagles brought from the Highlands and Orkney Isles over the past eight years. While some birds have temporarily migrated into England, the study estimates that natural expansion southward would take two decades without additional support.

Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds emphasized the golden eagle’s ecological importance, stating, “They are a keystone species that can play a vital role in broader nature recovery.” This follows the UK’s status as one of the most nature-depleted countries globally, with 2023 research indicating one in six species faces extinction risk. The government has previously supported reintroductions of other species, such as pine martens and beavers, to counteract this decline.

Ed Parr Ferris, a species recovery manager at Forestry England, noted that golden eagles could help regulate mesopredators like foxes and badgers. “Any predator exerts pressure on an ecosystem, creating space for rarer animals to survive and thrive,” he explained. The study identified eight locations as ideal for new populations, with Northumberland being the preferred site. Dr. Cat Barlow, CEO of Restoring Upland Nature, said the next phase involves engaging landowners and farmers, with chicks potentially released as early as next year.

“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,” said Dr. Barlow.

Prof. Davy McCracken from Scotland’s Rural College questioned whether 18 months was sufficient for the consultation process, pointing out that farmers often have demanding seasonal schedules. William Maughan, chair of the National Farmers Union North Regional Board, stressed the need for “thorough, meaningful, and clear” collaboration with agricultural stakeholders. “Farmers cannot be expected to carry the cost, risk, and responsibility of poorly implemented projects,” he added.

While the return of eagles to UK skies has faced mixed reactions, the reintroduction of sea eagles—another apex predator—earlier this decade sparked debate. This new initiative for golden eagles seeks to address those concerns while advancing nature conservation efforts across the region.