Scottish golden eagles set to be exported to England and Wales due to boom in numbers

Scottish Golden Eagles to be Relocated to England and Wales

In a groundbreaking conservation effort, Scottish golden eagles are on the brink of being exported to England and Wales following a surge in their population in Scotland. The South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project (SSGEP) has been instrumental in relocating these majestic birds from the Highlands to regions in the Borders and Dumfries and Galloway over the past six years. This initiative has resulted in a remarkable increase in the golden eagle population in the south of Scotland, with numbers now reaching around 50.

The successful conservation project has caught the attention of wildlife enthusiasts and authorities, leading to plans to reintroduce golden eagles to the uplands of England and Wales. The last sighting of a resident golden eagle in England was in 2015, while in Wales, they have been extinct since the mid-19th century due to hunting and persecution. Collaborating with the charity Restoring Upland Nature, the SSGEP aims to expand their efforts beyond Scotland and revive the presence of golden eagles in other parts of Britain.

Dr Cat Barlow, project manager of SSGEP, expressed optimism about the potential relocation, stating, “We hope our next phase will be to give the eagles a hand to establish themselves in the English uplands. We have shown with the SSGEP that if you do it well and you do it right, reintroducing golden eagles can be successful.” The eagles, known for their vast territories, have already shown interest in the uplands of England, demonstrating the possibility of their successful settlement in new regions.

Golden eagles, once widespread across the UK, faced severe decline and extinction in England and Wales due to historical persecution. Efforts to reintroduce them in Ireland have shown promising results, with the first chick hatching in over a century in 2018. As part of the conservation efforts, a separate project in Wales, Eagle Reintroduction Wales, is also progressing towards bringing eagle chicks from Scandinavia to bolster the population.

Despite being emblematic of Scotland, golden eagles have faced challenges in their native habitat as well. Instances of persecution by farmers and gamekeepers have threatened these birds, highlighting the importance of conservation projects like the SSGEP. While the initiative has been successful in Scotland, the focus now shifts towards supporting landowners and communities as the eagles settle into their new environments.

The prospect of golden eagles gracing the skies of England and Wales signifies a significant step towards reviving the populations of these iconic birds of prey across the UK. With collaborative efforts and community involvement, the conservation projects aim to not only restore the majestic species but also engage people in the importance of protecting wildlife and biodiversity.

In conclusion, the initiative to export Scottish golden eagles to England and Wales marks a significant milestone in conservation efforts for these iconic birds of prey. By expanding their habitats beyond Scotland, the projects aim to revive populations and raise awareness about the importance of safeguarding wildlife diversity.