Natural England - White-tailed eagle reintroduction project

White-tailed eagle reintroduction project

6 November 2008

The white-tailed eagle reintroduction project is a partnership project to investigate the possibility of establishing an English population of white-tailed eagles through the import and release of young birds into the wild. The feasibility study towards a possible reintroduction is being funded by Natural England and the RSPB, and assisted by the Forestry Commission.

White tailed eagle

White-tailed eagles, also known as sea eagles, are already present in Scotland and are occasional winter visitors to England, including East Anglia. They are the fourth largest eagle in the world and the UK’s largest bird of prey. They are spectacular looking birds with a wingspan of over two and a half metres, bodies around one metre in length and they weigh between 4 and 6 kg.

This possible reintroduction is about restoring a bird to parts of its former range where it would be naturally found, were it not for deliberate human persecution in the past. This is a reintroduction to England and in terms of its habitats, the coast of East Anglia is potentially well suited to white-tailed eagles. It follows international agreement that such efforts should be made where possible, and mirrors similar projects in Eastern Scotland and Ireland.

This feasibility study is looking at many aspects including socio-economic considerations, potential effects on livestock farming and wildlife in the region. Public opinion about a potential reintroduction programme is also being gauged at local consultation events. We are determined and committed to fully understand any real and potential issues around any release.

The timetable for any potential release remains flexible. The earliest that we could import and release eagles in England is summer 2010, and this is totally dependent on receiving all the appropriate authorisations and ensuring we have developed proposals subject to widespread discussion with interested stakeholders. Decisions about whether to release white-tailed eagles will not be made until the feasibility study has been completed and a fully informed judgment can be made.

If you have any comments about the white-tailed eagle reintroduction project please contact Andrew Smith, white-tailed eagles communication, at Natural England, Eastbrook, Shaftesbury Road, Cambridge or email eagles@naturalengland.org.uk

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