Cumbria: Talks planned over reintroduction of white-tailed eagles

The Cumbrian White-Tailed Eagle Project has been exploring the possibility of bringing white-tailed eagles back to the Cumbrian landscape.

As Britain’s largest native bird of prey, white-tailed eagles were once widespread across Britain but were lost during the early 20th century due to disturbance, harm and killing of the birds.

These eagles were once found in Cumbria in abundance, with the last recorded breeding attempt near Haweswater in 1787.

White-tailed eagles used be to widespread in Cumbria (Image: Archive)

White-tailed eagles have since been reintroduced to Scotland and the Isle of Wight, as well as Ireland. There are now breeding populations across Scotland and Ireland, and in 2023 a white-tailed eagle chick was born in southern England for the first time in 243 years.

Cumbria is a location of strategic importance for white-tailed eagles, sitting between Scottish, Irish, and southern England populations which have already been reintroduced, and acting as a potential connection between each of them.

Research by the eagle project found that Cumbria has suitable habitat for these eagles as well as plenty of food, and that reintroduced birds would be able to grow into a healthy population.

Critics of the plans have included farmers who claim that the birds will prey on lambs.

The scheme has the support of former Workington MP, Mark Jenkinson.

“These magnificent birds deserve to be part of our landscape once again,” said Mr Jenkinson.

“I was delighted to be involved in kickstarting this project, and even happier now to see the consultation start.”

The project is hosted by the Cumbrian White-Tailed Eagle Steering Group, made up of organisations including the University of Cumbria, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, The Lifescape Project, RSPB, the Wildland Research Institute, the Lake District National Park Authority alongside estate owners and managers.

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Tim Duckmanton, team leader for strategy and environment for the Lake District National Park Authority, said: “We are keen to explore the possibility of bringing back white-tailed eagles and other species to our special landscape, where they once thrived.

“This study is important for us to understand how to do that sensitively and appropriately in a cultural landscape, so that it supports any potential future successful reintroductions.”

Other species that may be reintroduced include the white stork, crane, golden eagle, beaver, pine marten and water vole.

The full list of webinars on the possible sea eagle reintroduction are on the project website.