After more than a century and a half, the golden eagle, one of England’s most majestic and long-lost birds of prey could soon soar again over the country’s northern landscapes.
Once common in Shakespeare’s time, the golden eagle disappeared from England due to centuries of persecution from gamekeepers and farmers who saw them as threats to livestock and game birds.
Golden eagles could be reintroduced to England after more than 150 years
The last known native eagle, a lone bird in the Lake District, died in 2015.
Though sightings occasionally occur in Northumberland where eagles from southern Scotland cross the border, their presence has been fleeting.
Now, an official recovery plan hopes to change that.
A new study by Forestry England has identified eight regions capable of supporting a sustainable population of golden eagles, paving the way for an ambitious reintroduction programme backed by £1 million in government funding.
£1 million government funding to restore protected species such as golden eagles
Following the study’s findings, Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds announced the funding as part of the government’s wider £60 million species recovery initiative.
The plan could see young golden eagles, juveniles aged between six and eight weeks released into the wild as early as next year.
“This government is committed to protecting and restoring our most threatened native wildlife and that includes bringing back iconic species like the golden eagle,” Reynolds said.
“Backed by £1 million of government funding, we will work with communities to make the golden eagle a feature of English landscapes once again.”
Golden eagles could settle in the north of England
Most of the eight proposed “recovery zones” are in the north of England, including upland areas where open moorlands meet remote valleys.
Success, however, will take time: experts estimate it could be a decade or more before breeding pairs become established.
Mike Seddon, chief executive of Forestry England, said the project will build on lessons learned from successful reintroductions in southern Scotland, where populations have reached record numbers.
Some of those birds, equipped with satellite tags, have already begun crossing into England offering hope of natural recolonisation.
Beyond symbolism, the golden eagle’s return aligns with the UK’s legally binding environmental targets to halt the decline in native species by 2030 and reduce extinction risk by 2042.
Conservationists view the project as a cornerstone in rebuilding healthy ecosystems in upland regions.
Restoration group Restoring Upland Nature will collaborate with Forestry England, landowners, and local communities to ensure the birds can thrive alongside farming and tourism.
“The detailed findings of our feasibility study will guide us in taking the next steps,” said Seddon.
“It’s about restoring balance and letting these magnificent birds once again command the wild skies of northern England.”
