Golden eagles are once again taking to the skies of England, heralding a promising resurgence after decades of absence. These majestic birds, which have been largely confined to the Scottish Highlands, are starting to venture southward, with notable sightings in Northumberland. One of these impressive birds, a young male named Talla, captured local wildlife enthusiast Ian Glendinning’s attention during a drive in March. Glendinning’s surprise at encountering the UK’s second largest bird of prey in Northumberland was palpable. “I looked over to my right and about 30 metres away there he was, sitting on a rocky outcrop,” he recalled. “Before I could get my phone out, it glided away, but it was absolutely colossal.”

Talla is part of a recovering population of around 50 golden eagles in southern Scotland, significantly bolstered by the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project (SSGEP). Established in 2018, the project aimed to counteract a dramatic decline—at one time, only a handful of these birds remained in the region. By translocating juvenile eagles from the Highlands to the Borders and Dumfries and Galloway, the initiative has successfully raised the local population and sparked hopes for future nesting in England. Michael Clarke, chair of SSGEP, noted that satellite tracking has shown these golden eagles beginning to explore territories outside Scotland, with instances of them travelling as far as the North Pennines, the Lake District, and even into Yorkshire.

Despite the excitement surrounding these sightings, it remains to be seen whether golden eagles will establish a self-sustaining population in England. Historically, these birds were wiped out on the English mainland by the mid-19th century, primarily due to persecution resulting from misconceptions about their threats to livestock. Following a brief resurgence post-World Wars, the last resident golden eagle disappeared from the Lake District in 2015. Dr Cat Barlow, CEO of the charity Restoring Upland Nature, which now oversees the project, explained that young eagles often explore new territories in search of mates and feeding grounds, making it likely that some will venture south as territories become saturated in Scotland.

Local conservationists, such as Mike Pratt from Northumberland Wildlife Trust, have expressed optimism about the potential for golden eagles to reclaim their historic ranges. Pratt indicated that the similar landscapes across the border should facilitate the birds’ migration. He stated, “They don’t see a border… it’s not a surprise they’re coming south.” Furthermore, the acquisition of expansive land, such as the Rothbury Estate in Northumberland, suggests that targeted conservation efforts could contribute to a suitable habitat for these eagles.

In addition to the ecological significance of these golden eagles, the project’s impact on regional identity and community morale should not be overlooked. The SSGEP has not only rejuvenated the local wildlife population but has also spurred cultural initiatives, such as the inaugural Golden Eagle Festival in Moffat, celebrating this iconic species. As awareness grows and local communities embrace conservation efforts, there exists a palpable opportunity for golden eagles to re-establish themselves in the South of England, a prospect that many, including Ian Glendinning, hope will soon become a reality. Glendinning expressed a sense of “wonderment” every time he sights one of these birds. “They just fit in perfectly with the landscape… it just feels like they belong here,” he said.

As the SSGEP faces future challenges, including funding uncertainties, there is a collective desire among conservationists and the public to ensure the golden eagle’s return is both enduring and transformative for the ecology and culture of England.

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Source: Noah Wire Services