Golden eagles' return to English skies gets government backing
3 days ago
- #Environmental Policy
- #Species Reintroduction
- #Wildlife Conservation
- The UK government is pledging £1 million to support the reintroduction of golden eagles to England, with plans starting as early as next year.
- Golden eagles, Britain's second largest bird of prey, were hunted to extinction in England and Wales in the 19th century due to perceived threats to livestock and grouse.
- Forestry England conducted a study identifying eight suitable locations in England, with Northumberland being the top choice, and will lead a public consultation alongside the charity Restoring Upland Nature (RUN).
- The reintroduction aims to restore a keystone species that can help control mesopredators like foxes and badgers, contributing to broader nature recovery efforts in the UK, one of the world's most nature-depleted countries.
- Farmers and landowners have raised concerns about potential threats to lambs, with estimates suggesting golden eagles might be responsible for 0.15% to 3% of lamb losses in their hunting range, but proponents emphasize their diet primarily consists of carrion.
- The project builds on the successful reintroduction of golden eagles along the Scottish border over the past eight years, involving 28 chicks from the Scottish Highlands and Islands, with efforts to engage communities including hiring a retired gamekeeper.
- Consultations with farmers are deemed crucial, with some experts cautioning that an 18-month period might be insufficient for effective engagement, and highlighting potential cumulative impacts if other predators like lynx are reintroduced.
- Safety concerns for the birds are evident, as one relocated eagle was found with pellet wounds in February, leading the government to withhold the exact release location in Northumberland.