Overview

• A Forestry England feasibility study, not due for publication until later this year, identifies sufficient suitable habitats in northern England to support golden eagle reintroduction.
• Environment Secretary Steve Reed is leading the proposal, building on successful UK reintroduction schemes such as beavers, red kites and the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project.
• The Scottish model relocates single chicks from established broods at six to eight weeks old, raises them with remote feeding to minimize human contact, and gradually releases them with provided food.
• Defra has committed to public consultations and full environmental impact assessments before any release takes place.
• Golden eagles have been extinct in England for roughly 150 years with the last native individual vanishing from the Lake District in 2015, though experts say abundant prey in northern moorlands should support their return.