Golden eagles' return to English skies gets government ba...

What’s Happening

Real talk: The birds could be reintroduced as early as next year following a £1m injection from the government.

Golden eagles return to English skies gets government backing 2 hours ago Save Add as preferred on Google Esme Stallard Javier Sánchez/ Golden Eagles will once again be a permanent feature of English skies, as the government pledges £1m to back the reintroduction of the species as early as next year. Britains second largest bird of prey was wiped out in England during the 19th Century after a concerted campaign of hunting. (we’re not making this up)

Forestry England will now launch a public consultation alongside the charity behind the successful return of the species to the Scottish border.

The Details

Restoring Upland Nature dropped they have seen widespread support for the return of the “wild” species but farming communities have before raised concerns about the threat this predator could pose to lambs. Sir David Attenborough names first eagle chick in conservation project Golden eagles flourish despite deaths and disappearances They are one of the fastest animals on the planet, reaching speeds of up to 200mph as they dive, and have razor-sharp vision - able to spot a rabbit moving three miles away.

And yet, these apex predators were hunted to extinction in England and Wales because of their perceived threat to livestock and grouse. After years of research into appropriate environments, and a successful re-enforcement of the species along the Scottish border, the government is now backing a parallel project in Northumberland.

Why This Matters

“Aside from being Britains second largest bird of prey with an wild two-metre wingspan, the golden eagle is a keystone species that can play a vital role in nature recovery more widely,” dropped Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds. The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world, with research academics in 2023 revealing that one in six species are now at risk of extinction.

Scientists and researchers are watching this development closely.

The Bottom Line

This story is still developing, and we’ll keep you updated as more info drops.

We want to hear your thoughts on this.