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22 November 2008
The magnificent sea eagle, missing from England for more than 200 years, could be soaring along the Norfolk coast next summer if a proposed re-introduction scheme gets the go ahead.
Natural England, the RSPB and Anglian Water, have been investigating the feasibility of re-introducing the sea eagle, also known as the white-tailed eagle, to East Anglia.
North Norfolk is the preferred location and public consultation is underway to let local people know about the project and to identify any concerns they may have. The consultation will involve landowners and farmers and must address any possible impacts between eagles and livestock.
In a recent opinion poll, held in north Norfolk, 91% of the 500 members of the public who were asked indicated that they would like to see a bird like this in Norfolk.
In 1700, there were more than 200 pairs of white-tailed eagles spread across the UK, but by 1916, they had been driven to extinction.
White-tailed eagles were re-introduced to Scotland in 1975 and last year there were 42 breeding territories. Birds could take decades if not hundreds of years to spread from Scotland without assistance.
Natural England's Chief Scientist, Tom Tew, said: “Before attempting to return a species that has been lost for so long, it is important to understand its potential effect on both wildlife and people. We are consulting widely in order to make a fully informed judgement as to whether, through this ambitious project, there is an opportunity to return one of the UK’s rarest and most spectacular birds to England."
Rob Lucking, RSPB Area Manager for The Wash and North Norfolk, said: “The sight of birds of prey like the white-tailed eagle is a sure sign of a strong and healthy environment. Without them our ecosystem is disfigured, our natural and cultural heritage diminished and we are all the poorer.
“England has been without these magnificent birds for too long. Such a re-introduction must be done properly and with due regard to the people and wildlife nearby but, if it can be done, then the sight of eagles soaring over Norfolk would give a huge lift to people’s spirits and to the local economy.”
It is hoped that a firm decision will be made in spring 2009 on whether the project should proceed. If approved, the first releases could take place in summer 2009.
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Notes to Editors
1. A series of drop-in sessions will be held for the public:
The partnership is also talking directly to major landowners near possible release sites. The exact location of any potential release sites will be kept confidential to ensure the safety and security of the birds prior to any possible release.
2. White- tailed eagles numbered more than 200 pairs in 1700. By 1916, they were extinct as a breeding species because of persecution. Since 1975, they have been re-introduced into western Scotland, by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), in association with the RSPB. In 2007, 42 territories were occupied, with 24 successful breeding attempts producing 34 young. Persecution, including egg collecting and deliberate killing, remains a serious threat to their recovery, since the rate of population growth is naturally slow. To enable re-colonisation of other suitable coastal habitat, a new re-introduction project began in eastern Scotland in 2007.
3. White-tailed eagles are the fourth largest eagle in the world and the UK’s largest bird of prey. They are scavengers and generalist predators who feed on fish, birds and medium-sized rabbits.
4. The white-tailed eagles released on the Isle of Mull in Scotland have proved a major tourist draw for the island. The Island receives around 350,000 visitors every year, of whom two-thirds spend their holidays in Mull and 33 per cent are day-trippers. In total, visitors spend £38 million on the island every year. Of this, between £1.4-1.6 million per year is attracted by the presence of sea eagles.
5. Natural England works for people, places and nature to conserve and enhance biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas.
It conserves and enhances the natural environment for its intrinsic value, the wellbeing and enjoyment of people, and the economic prosperity it brings.
6. The RSPB speaks out for birds and wildlife, tackling the problems that threaten our environment. Nature is amazing - help us keep it that way. Click here to join today. www.rspb.org.uk/join
7. Anglian Water is committed to protecting and enhancing the environment in which it operates. The company has successful re-introduced ospreys to Rutland and invests in wildlife projects to secure the region’s bio-diversity. For more details, visit www.anglianwater.co.uk
