Cumbria white-tailed eagle reintroduction plan advances after consultation

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 24 Oct, 06:00 · Archive

A project to bring white-tailed eagles back to Cumbria has gained momentum following a public consultation in which 78 per cent of respondents expressed support.

Plans to reintroduce white-tailed eagles to Cumbria have advanced following the completion of an extensive public consultation. More than 24,800 people were engaged during the process and 2,392 completed questionnaires, with 78 per cent expressing support for a reintroduction. The project is being explored by The Lifescape Project alongside the University of Cumbria, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, the RSPB and the Lake District National Park Authority.

White-tailed eagles, also known as sea eagles, once lived in Cumbria. The last recorded breeding attempt in the area took place near Haweswater in 1787. The species later disappeared from Britain but has been successfully reintroduced in parts of Scotland, Ireland and the Isle of Wight.

Project leaders say ecological studies have found suitable habitat and food sources across Cumbria and surrounding areas, suggesting the county could support a healthy population of the UK's largest bird of prey. Further ecological and heritage assessments are continuing. The initiative is seen as potentially important in linking existing eagle populations elsewhere in Britain and Ireland, creating what supporters describe as a 'stepping stone' within a wider network across the British Isles.

However, the proposal remains contentious in some rural areas. Last year, Tim Farron, MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, voiced concerns about the possible impact on sheep farming, citing worries raised by livestock producers and the National Sheep Association. Supporters of the project argue that experiences elsewhere in the UK show white-tailed eagles can coexist with farming while bringing biodiversity and tourism benefits.

No decision has yet been made on releasing birds into the wild.

How it is being reported

• Plans for Cumbria white-tailed eagle return move forwardPlans to reintroduce white-tailed eagles to Cumbria have taken a significant step forward after a major public consultation found strong support for the project.News & Star · 24 Oct, 05:00
• Plans for Cumbria white-tailed eagle return move forwardPlans to reintroduce white-tailed eagles to Cumbria have taken a significant step forward after a major public consultation found strong support for the project.Westmorland Gazette · 24 Oct, 05:00
• Plans for Cumbria white-tailed eagle return move forwardPlans to reintroduce white-tailed eagles to Cumbria have taken a significant step forward after a major public consultation found strong support for the project.Whitehaven News · 24 Oct, 05:00
• Plans for Cumbria white-tailed eagle return move forwardPlans to reintroduce white-tailed eagles to Cumbria have taken a significant step forward after a major public consultation found strong support for the project.NW Evening Mail · 24 Oct, 05:00

In this story: The Lifescape Project · University of Cumbria · Cumbria Wildlife Trust · RSPB · Lake District National Park Authority · Cumbria · Tim Farron · Haweswater

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