Golden Eagles Set for Reintroduction to England After 150-Year Absence
The UK government has approved £1 million in funding to support the reintroduction of golden eagles to England, marking a significant conservation milestone after more than 150 years of absence. A feasibility study conducted by Forestry England identified eight potential recovery zones, primarily in northern England, capable of sustaining viable eagle populations. Although the species was once common in Shakespearean times, it became effectively extinct in England due to historical persecution by gamekeepers and farmers. The last native golden eagle died in the Lake District in 2015. While some birds from recovering populations in southern Scotland have recently crossed into northern England, this new initiative aims to establish breeding groups through targeted releases of juveniles as early as next year. Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds emphasized the government's commitment to restoring threatened native wildlife. This project aligns with broader legal targets to halt species abundance decline by 2030 and reduce extinction risks by 2042. Experts note that while Scottish birds may explore the region within a decade, establishing stable breeding populations will require sustained effort and community engagement over a longer period.
Wire timeline
Golden Eagles Set for Reintroduction to England After 150-Year Absence
The UK government has approved £1 million in funding to support the reintroduction of golden eagles to England, marking a significant conservation milestone after more than 150 years of absence. A feasibility study conducted by Forestry England identified eight potential recovery zones, primarily in northern England, capable of sustaining viable eagle populations. Although the species was once common in Shakespearean times, it became effectively extinct in England due to historical persecution by gamekeepers and farmers. The last native golden eagle died in the Lake District in 2015. While some birds from recovering populations in southern Scotland have recently crossed into northern England, this new initiative aims to establish breeding groups through targeted releases of juveniles as early as next year. Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds emphasized the government's commitment to restoring threatened native wildlife. This project aligns with broader legal targets to halt species abundance decline by 2030 and reduce extinction risks by 2042. Experts note that while Scottish birds may explore the region within a decade, establishing stable breeding populations will require sustained effort and community engagement over a longer period.
The Guardian