White-tailed Eagle Reintroduction Planned for Exmoor National Park

Exmoor National Park is preparing for the release of additional white-tailed eagles within its boundaries, a move intended to bolster conservation initiatives for the species. The Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation and Forestry England, which have been engaged in the reintroduction of white-tailed eagles across southern England since 2019, intend to introduce a limited number of these birds into Exmoor National Park. To date, the project has seen the release of 37 eagles, with a significant milestone achieved in 2023 when a pair successfully bred for the first time. Zoe Smith, representing the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation, commented: “The brilliant thing is we’ve seen what positive impact this bird has had on the ecosystem.” Recognized as the UK’s largest bird of prey, white-tailed eagles possess a wingspan measuring 8.2ft (2.5m). Juvenile birds exhibit an entirely brown plumage, with their distinctive white tail and yellow bill only emerging in their fourth or fifth year. “Since 2019 we’ve been releasing white tailed eagles on the Isle of Wight and that project has gone really well,” Ms Smith stated. She further noted, “Exmoor has been identified as an area they really like,” citing its “long stretch of coastal woodland and moorland” and “a lot of prey on Exmoor” as contributing factors. Rich Eales, a ranger with Exmoor National Park, mentioned that the species formerly bred in Exmoor. He elaborated, “You look at a lot of place names along the coast and they mean things like eagle ridge, so the clue is in the name.” Eales also provided historical context, stating, “In the 1700s, if you were lucky to live by the coast you could get your hands on some quality fish like bass that were reserved for the high classes.” He concluded by explaining, “The eagles were persecuted because they were a threat to our fish stock.” Exmoor National Park intends to organize public engagement events to provide updates on the project’s advancement. Steve Egerton-Read of Forestry England remarked: “White-tailed eagles are a truly iconic species. The positive reaction that people have had to them since the reintroduction project began in 2019 has been incredible.”