Golden Eagles to Return to England After 150 Years with £1 Million Government Backing

Golden Eagles to Return to England After 150 Years with £1 Million Government Backing

Golden eagles are set to soar over English skies for the first time in more than 150 years, after Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds approved £1 million in government funding for a pioneering recovery programme that could see juvenile birds released as early as next year.

A feasibility study by Forestry England has confirmed that England now has the environmental capacity to support golden eagle populations once more, identifying eight potential "recovery zones" predominantly in northern England, including the North Pennines, the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, and Bowland.

Background

Golden eagles were once common across England but were largely eradicated due to persecution by gamekeepers and farmers who viewed them as a threat to livestock and game birds. The last native golden eagle in England is believed to have died in the Lake District in 2015 or 2016, ending a centuries-long presence in the country.

The birds have, however, recovered strongly in southern Scotland thanks to a major restoration project, with satellite tracking already showing some Scottish birds exploring northern England — a hopeful sign that the species could naturally recolonise given the right conditions and protections.

Key Developments

The charity Restoring Upland Nature (RUN) will lead the recovery programme in partnership with Forestry England and other core partners, replicating the successful collaborative approach used in southern Scotland. The programme could involve the release of six to eight-week-old juvenile eagles as early as next year, with Scottish birds anticipated to be seen across northern England within 10 years.

The £1 million funding is part of a larger £60 million species recovery initiative announced by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). Extensive engagement with local communities — including farming, game management, recreation, and tourism interests — will be a crucial part of the programme.

Why It Matters

The return of golden eagles to England would be one of the most significant wildlife conservation achievements in the country's history. As apex predators with a 2-metre wingspan, golden eagles are a keystone species that play a vital role in maintaining ecosystem balance. Their return would also provide a significant boost to wildlife tourism in northern England.

What's Next

The recovery programme will begin with community engagement and site preparation, with the first potential releases of juvenile eagles planned for 2027. The government has set statutory targets to halt the decline in species abundance by 2030 and reduce species extinction risk by 2042.

Read more at BBC News.