£1m reintroduction programme to restore iconic birds of prey to the North

Golden eagles could return to English skies within a decade under a £1m Government reintroduction scheme.

This is the most significant step towards restoring the species since it was wiped out by Victorian persecution, a spokesperson said.

Forestry England’s new feasibility study identifies eight potential recovery zones, mainly in northern England, confirming the country can once again sustain viable golden eagle populations.

Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said: “This government is committed to protecting and restoring our most threatened native wildlife, and that includes bringing back iconic species like the golden eagle.”

Scotland leads the way

In southern Scotland, golden eagle numbers have already reached record levels following years of intensive conservation work. 

Satellite tracking shows some birds have begun crossing the border into northern England, a natural process the new funding aims to accelerate.

Charity Restoring Upland Nature (RUN) will lead the English programme, replicating the Scottish collaborative model. 

Its chief executive, Dr Cat Barlow, called it “a potentially game-changing moment,” pledging to work alongside landowners, gamekeepers and local communities.

Long road ahead

Forestry England’s research suggests Scottish birds could be regularly sighted across northern England within 10 years, though established breeding pairs will take considerably longer.

The initiative forms part of the Government’s broader Environmental Improvement Plan, following last year’s landmark decision to reintroduce beavers to England’s waterways