Golden eagles were wiped out in England during the 19th century due to hunting. Forestry England conducted years of research into appropriate environments and successfully reinforced the species along the Scottish border, with 28 chicks from the Scottish Highlands and Orkney Isles brought there over the last eight years to establish populations. Some golden eagles from the Scottish border have been temporarily migrating into England.
A study by Forestry England identified 28 possible locations for new golden eagle populations, with eight meeting criteria like climate and minimal disturbance, and Northumberland being the favorite. Forestry England will launch a public consultation on the reintroduction. The charity Restoring Upland Nature has seen widespread support for the return of golden eagles, but farming communities have previously raised concerns about threats to lambs.
This effort occurs as the UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world, with one in six species at risk of extinction according to 2023 research. The government has backed other species reintroduction programmes, including pine martens, beavers, and whitefaced darter dragonflies. Golden eagles are one of the fastest animals on the planet, reaching speeds up to 200 mph in a dive, and have razor-sharp vision able to spot a rabbit moving three miles away.