Pre-feasibility study: white-tailed eagle (WTE) reintroduction in Cumbria

University of Cumbria Report, funded by Natural England. Other contributors: Wildland Research, Lifescape Project, AECOM, with expert advice and guidance from the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation.

Executive Summary:
This is a pre-feasibility report that designed to inform the next steps for a full feasibility study of white tailed eagle Haliaeetus albicilla (WTE) in Cumbria. This report highlights potential risks for such an introduction, to wildlife and the general public, habitat suitability (including observations form a site visit report from Roy Dennis a leading expert in WTE reintroductions), and detailed habitat suitability modelling and social and economic impacts. This report has been developed in collaboration with a broader Cumbrian WTE group (including representatives from Cumbria Wildlife Trust, RSPB, Solway AONB, Natural England, and local political representatives). Evidence shows that there is ample suitable habitat in Cumbria, in the south of the county and around the Solway to the north as illustrated through habitat mapping [Section 3]. Reviews of local species records also highlight that Cumbria has a range of suitable prey species available all year round [Section 4]. Risks to rare species, wildlife, and the public are generally low. This report highlights that the potential benefit of such an introduction far outweighs the risk [Section 4 / Section 7]. Other potential risks from the project include unsuccessful establishment of WTEs in the area and dispersal from release sites, and thus a detailed post release strategy and monitoring programme will need to be implemented as well as an exit strategy [Section 9]. It is hoped that this report will inform a full-scale feasibility study and license application for a WTE reintroduction. Expert opinion: ‘My overall view was positive…all the coastal areas I visited were suitable for nonbreeding and juvenile white- tailed eagles. There are large areas of hunting habitat and many mature trees suitable for perching and loafing [however] I did not find immediately a suitable [hacking] site. Finding perfect hacking sites will take time and much exploration, as well as talking with landowners, wardens, foresters and farmers. But is essential for success’ [Section 11].