The government is backing a parallel project in Northumberland, where a study led by Forestry England identified eight suitable locations out of 28 possible sites, with Northumberland the favorite. Golden eagles were wiped out in England during the 19th century due to hunting because of their perceived threat to livestock and grouse. These birds are one of the fastest animals on the planet, reaching speeds of up to 200 mph as they dive, and have razor-sharp vision able to spot a rabbit moving three miles away. The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world, with research in 2023 revealing that one in six species are now at risk of extinction.
Forestry England will launch a public consultation on the reintroduction of golden eagles. Over the last eight years, 28 chicks from the Scottish Highlands and Orkney Isles have been brought to the Scottish border and successfully established, with some temporarily migrating into England.
The charity Restoring Upland Nature has seen widespread support for the return of golden eagles, but farming communities have previously raised concerns about the threat to lambs. The government has backed a number of species reintroduction programmes over the years, including re-establishing pine martens, beavers, and whitefaced darter dragonflies. However, the government scheme to reintroduce golden eagles to England has sparked a bitter row between conservationists and farmers. Sheep farmers have warned ministers are pushing ahead without properly considering the impact on their flocks, and the National Sheep Association has accused officials of rushing the plans, putting livestock and rural livelihoods at risk.
Farmers are calling for compensation schemes and dedicated wardens to monitor eagle populations.
In response, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs says it will work alongside farmers and communities to find the best ways to support golden eagle recovery and expects any economic impact on sheep farmers to be minimal. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has allocated a record £11.8 billion to sustainable farming and food production over this parliament. The number of eagles planned for initial reintroduction and the timeframe remain unspecified, as do the methods for monitoring success regarding ecological balance and farmer impacts.