Six young white-tailed eagles have been released in Exmoor National Park as part of an ongoing conservation project. The reintroduction aims to restore the lost native species to the Westcountry, backed by a £90 million government investment in species recovery and a planned release of up to 20 more birds over three years.
Reintroducing Lost Giants to the Skies of Exmoor
Half a dozen young white-tailed eagles, often nicknamed flying barn doors
for their impressive wingspans of up to 8 feet, have been secretly released into Exmoor National Park. The release marks the first time the species has called Exmoor home in more than 200 years. Historically common across southern England and the south-west, the birds were completely wiped out in the region by the 18th century due to intense human persecution.
The initiative is a collaborative effort between Forestry England and the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation. Conservationists collected the six young birds under a NatureScot licence from the wild in Scotland, where previous reintroduction efforts succeeded years ago. Before taking their first flights outside the release pen, the eagles were cared for by experts on Exmoor to help them adjust to their new surroundings.
Building on the Isle of Wight Success Story
The Exmoor project does not start from scratch. Since 2019, the project team has released a total of 45 white-tailed eagles from a population based on the Isle of Wight.
That established population has already begun bearing fruit. Conservationists selected Exmoor as an additional release site after satellite tracking data showed that birds from the Isle of Wight frequently visited the region. The coastline provides ideal foraging conditions, abundant fish stocks, and historical breeding habitats.
Ecological Stakes and Government Backing
Project organizers emphasize that the return of the raptors is critical for regional ecosystems.
“This is such an exciting moment for Exmoor and a real boost to biodiversity in the National Park, as white-tailed eagles play a crucial role in both marine and land-based ecosystems.”
Ali Hawkins, senior ecologist with Exmoor National Park Authority
The release drew praise from government leadership. Environment Secretary Angela Eagle welcomed the milestone, pointing to a £90 million investment dedicated to species recovery. Angela Eagle stated that the return of the majestic birds reflects the government’s commitment to reversing nature’s decline.
Agricultural Concerns and Community Dialogue
Despite enthusiasm from conservationists and government officials, the reintroduction has generated apprehension within parts of the local agricultural community. Some farmers have voiced strong concerns regarding potential predation on lambs and other livestock.
Robin Milton, a livestock farmer on Exmoor, said that from his own perspective he was quite ambivalent and that there were no direct impacts on him at the moment, although problems had been reported. Milton stated that he did not want to see an impact on farming or hares in the area and expressed a desire for a much more comprehensive plan.
In response to these anxieties, project representatives noted that they have engaged extensively with locals. Zoe Smith of the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation explained that the team gives ongoing support and the opportunity for farmers to ask questions, noting that European populations of the species have not shown a pattern of attacking livestock.
Monitoring Progress and Future Releases
Every released eagle has been fitted with satellite trackers so their movements can be closely monitored. Officials expect the young birds to travel widely across the United Kingdom and potentially into continental Europe before returning to the area to breed when they are four or five years old.
The current release is only the beginning. Conservation partners plan to introduce up to 20 additional young birds from the Exmoor location over the next three years, while parallel releases continue on the Isle of Wight.
