Government Approves White-tailed Eagle Release on Exmoor Despite Farmer Opposition
Natural England, the government’s wildlife licensing authority, has approved the reintroduction of white-tailed eagles to Exmoor National Park. Up to 20 of the birds, also known as sea eagles, are scheduled for release over the next three years, starting this summer. This initiative aims to bolster the species’ numbers and extend their presence across southern England, seven years after an initial release on the Isle of Wight.
However, the decision has been met with considerable apprehension from the farming community. Scottish farmers, who have experience with white-tailed eagle reintroductions since 1975, report substantial financial losses due to lamb predation. Ricky Rennie, a fourth-generation farmer in Argyll, estimates annual losses of up to £30,000, asserting that the eagles could force farms out of business. He urged Exmoor farmers to “fight tooth and nail” against the plans.
The National Farmers’ Union Scotland has called for lessons from the Scottish experience to be applied, advocating for robust safeguards for livestock from the outset of the Exmoor project. The National Sheep Association (NSA) has also voiced concerns, demanding a full impact assessment that considers farm viability and mental health before further releases.
Natural England maintains that the reintroduction will be “carefully planned” and implemented with close monitoring, emphasising collaboration with local landowners and a foundation of strong evidence. All released birds will be fitted with satellite tags to track their movements and progress. The extent to which white-tailed eagles prey on live lambs versus scavenging carcasses remains a contentious point between conservationists and farmers.
