England’s skies may soon see the return of one of the most iconic symbols of wilderness: the golden eagle. Absent from our landscapes for more than 150 years, these majestic raptors could be reintroduced thanks to a landmark feasibility study by Forestry England. The study confirms that northern England has enough suitable habitats and prey to sustain a viable golden eagle population. A discovery that has set the stage for one of the most exciting rewilding projects in recent memory.
Learning from Scotland’s Success
Reintroducing golden eagles to England isn’t starting from scratch. Conservationists already have a proven model to follow, thanks to the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project. When it began in 2018, the Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway had just a handful of breeding pairs. Today, more than 50 golden eagles soar over the hills and glens, a remarkable recovery in just a few years.
The strategy has been careful and humane: young chicks from Scotland are raised with minimal human contact, placed in secluded release pens, and gradually encouraged to hunt for themselves. Supplemental feeding is phased out over time, allowing the birds to thrive independently in their new home. This approach has given conservationists the confidence that England could replicate the success.
Why Golden Eagles Matter
The golden eagle is more than a breathtaking sight on the wing. As an apex predator, it plays a vital ecological role. By hunting rabbits, hares, and grouse, golden eagles help regulate prey populations, preventing overgrazing and allowing vegetation to recover. This in turn creates more diverse habitats for insects, birds, and small mammals. In short, golden eagles are keystone species. When they return, the ecosystem beneath them becomes healthier and more balanced.
Their reintroduction would build on other wildlife comebacks across Britain: the spread of red kites, the return of beavers to rivers in Devon and Dorset, and the tentative discussions around lynx in northern England. Each story is proof that when humans make space for nature, nature responds with abundance.
A Careful Path Ahead
The reintroduction of golden eagles will not be rushed. Defra and Natural England will oversee the process, ensuring that it follows strict IUCN guidelines for species reintroduction. This means carrying out detailed ecological impact assessments, consulting local communities, and ensuring that landowners and farmers are part of the conversation. The goal is to bring back eagles in a way that strengthens both nature and the communities who share the landscape with them.
How LettsSafari Fits In
At LettsSafari, we see the golden eagle’s return as part of a bigger story - the story of restoring wild Britain. Here’s how we contribute:
Creating habitats: Our safari parks and smaller scale rewilding projects develop the woodlands, wetlands and wild grasslands that raptors and other species depend on.
Driving collective action: Every LettsSafari subscription funds tree planting, habitat restoration and the reintroduction of wildlife. Together, we can support the ecological conditions needed for eagles to flourish.
Telling the story of nature’s return: Through LettsSafari+, we share exclusive updates, photography and videos from our projects. Imagine one day tuning in to see golden eagles nesting, hunting, and reclaiming their place in English skies.
A Future That Soars
The possible return of golden eagles is not just a conservation milestone - it’s a symbol of hope. It shows that the damage of the past does not have to dictate the future. With vision, persistence, and community action, we can restore wildness to our landscapes.
At LettsSafari, we’re proud to be part of this movement. Together, we can give nature the space to breathe, the chance to thrive, and, like the golden eagle, the freedom to soar once again.