White-tailed eagles to be released at Exmoor National Park
ore of Britain's largest bird of prey will be returned to the South of England
A conservation project aimed at reintroducing Britain's largest bird of prey, the white-tailed eagle, will receive a boost through additional releases in Exmoor National Park.
Natural England, the Government’s wildlife licensing authority, approved the expansion which will involve up to 20 young eagles released over the next three years.
The white-tailed eagle, recognised for its impressive wingspan of up to 2.5 metres, was once prevalent throughout England before human actions led to their extinction, with the last pair breeding in southern England in 1780.
The Conservation Efforts
The reintroduction project is led by Forestry England and the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation.
Since 2019, eagles have been released in the Isle of Wight.
This summer, Exmoor National Park Authority will collaborate on additional releases, enhancing the eagles' population and extending their breeding range into South West England.
Exmoor's inclusion is based on tracking data showing eagles already visit the area, which offers suitable habitat along its coastline.
To date, 45 young eagles have been released with four pairs forming territories along the southern coast.
The first successful breeding occurred in 2023, leading to the first chick born in England's wild in over two centuries. In total, six chicks have fledged in the wild.
London Organisation’s Views
Roy Dennis, Founder of the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation, expressed enthusiasm about the recovery project:
“White-tailed eagles were once a common sight in England but were lost centuries ago. This project is reversing that situation, and I am delighted that we will be able to release additional birds this year and boost their numbers in the wild."
Government Perspectives
Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds highlighted the government’s commitment to biodiversity, stating:
“As part of our new 'Wild Again' campaign, we are investing £90 million into species recovery."
Natural England’s National Delivery Director Matthew Heard remarked on the collaborative approach for the reintroduction.
Local Involvement
Ali Hawkins, Senior Ecologist with Exmoor National Park Authority, emphasized local engagement and praised the coastal woodland as an ideal habitat for the eagles.
The reintroduction effort aligns with the Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan, prioritising species recovery.
All released eagles are fitted with satellite tags for tracking their movements and progress.
Implementation of the licence will be closely monitored by Natural England.