The return of white-tailed eagles to England | Restoring lost species

White-tailed eagles are Britain’s largest birds of prey and were once widespread across England, until human persecution wiped them out.
In 2019, a landmark conservation project set to return these incredible birds. Forestry England and the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation released the first six white-tailed eagles on the Isle of Wight, returning them after an absence of over 240 years. The project aims to restore these lost birds to the English landscape by releasing up to 60 birds.
Four years since the start of this ground breaking project, we caught up with Forestry England white-tailed eagle project officer Steve Egerton-Read and Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation ornithologist Tim Mackrill to discuss the project so far and plans for the future.
Restoring lost species is a key priority for Forestry England. To reverse biodiversity loss, we’re replacing what’s missing and helping to restore ecosystems and natural processes.
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[@callum9225]

Great stuff. I dream of seeing these birds soaring over Southern English coastlines again.

[@ancientruby7116]

I was shocked to see this today & i had to google to find out what it was. It was in my garden unafraid looking for its dinner & it was huge. I do hope they do not attack small dogs because it certainly has alarmed me.

[@LewisZilla]

Defo has the capacity to snatch a Yorkie or Chihuahua but they are too magnificent to fear them

[@Wildtotarda]

Awesome :)

[@callum9225]

Are there any attempts being made to reintroduce golden eagles to England?

[@garymartin4485]

Stoner eagles ,lovely story, read just after sea eagles returned to sky

[@symoon21]

We just saw one near Hassocks!

[@symoon21]

West Sussex (UK)

[@FreeBirdUKVanLife]

Fantastic

[@justbrowsing8482]

Absolutely fantastic project! Yet to see one! 🤣🤣

[@yetidodger6650]

They poisoned one in West Sussex a few years ago.

[@nataliescott2261]

Driving across new forest Sunday one was flying over wow just wow they are beautiful . I think I saw one in Salisbury last year do you fly that far from home?

[@ForestryEngland]

Hi Natalie, yes that is possible. The released juveniles tend to explore far and wide, learning about the landscape before returning to the south coast of England. Previously, one of the released birds has travelled as far as the Netherlands! 🦅

[@Rustyfox46]

Interesting work!
Would they cross paths with Buzzards and Kites?

[@Just_shush_now]

They have already in Scotland and the Isle of Wight.

[@38dd]

This is so scary, does this mean I’m gonna be seeing Eagles in my neighbourhood

[@Just_shush_now]

Nope- white tailed eagles have never been known to associate with humans as much as the closely related bald eagle. In fact much like the osprey I’ll doubt you ever see one I’m even if they are reintroduced.
I’ve seen white tailed eagles in Scotland and they are honestly very timid and will move far away if they sense you are too close. They are mainly scavengers or fish hunters, though they occasionally go after waterfowl.

[@38dd]

@@Just_shush_now shush

[@Just_shush_now]

@@38dd no u… you should be scared you’re so fragile that it might think you’re already dead… though your taste music will make you wholly unappetising… so you’ll be fine.

[@38dd]

@@Just_shush_now 🤫

[@Just_shush_now]

@@38dd shush 🤫 🤐🤭

[@michaelking8642]

Forestry England, the recently rebranded Forestry Commission. The most racist quango in Britain.

[@stephenholmes1036]

Totally anti rural and white bluecollar.

[@Just_shush_now]

Why… 😂

[@B_Ruphe]

Brave social justice warriors popping up in little-expected places.