The consultation, part of the Cumbrian White-Tailed Eagle Project, invites residents to complete an online questionnaire before October 31.
The project is hosted by the Cumbrian White-Tailed Eagle Steering Group, which includes the University of Cumbria, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, The Lifescape Project, RSPB, the Wildland Institute, and the Lake District National Park Authority, alongside local estate owners and land managers.
The white-tailed eagle, also known as the sea eagle, has a wingspan of up to 2.5 metres and was once widespread across Britain before being driven to extinction through habitat loss and persecution. The last recorded breeding attempt in Cumbria took place near Haweswater in 1787.
A white-tailed eagle fledgling takes flight with the support of it’s parent(Image: Image credit Amanda Fergusson)
An initial pre-feasibility study led by the University of Cumbria in 2023 found that Cumbria provides suitable habitat and food sources for the birds, particularly in the southern half of the county, where there are extensive woodlands, productive lakes, and coastal feeding areas.
Researchers say the region could serve as a vital link between existing eagle populations in Scotland, Ireland, and southern England, potentially helping to reconnect the species across the British Isles.
The project is now focusing on gathering public opinion to understand local attitudes, values, and any perceived impacts of reintroducing the species. In-person and online events have been taking place since September, including film screenings, webinars, workshops, and drop-in sessions aimed at giving people the opportunity to learn about the species and share their views.
Cumbria Wildlife Trust said: “We need to hear your thoughts! The public consultation on reintroducing white-tailed eagles to Cumbria is open.
“White-tailed eagles are Britain’s largest native bird of prey and were last in Cumbria in the late 18th century. They were driven to extinction in the UK, and various reintroduction programmes across the country have seen breeding pairs successfully returned.
“Research by the Cumbrian White-Tailed Eagle Project shows Cumbria holds suitable habitat for this incredible bird – now it’s time to hear from you!”
White-tailed eagle with a fish in its talons(Image: Dan Russon)
The white-tailed eagle is one of 21 priority species highlighted in the Lake District National Park Partnership’s Nature Recovery Delivery Plan, and is also recognised in the Cumbria Local Nature Recovery Strategy as a potential candidate for restoration.
The public questionnaire forms part of a social feasibility study and is open to anyone living in Cumbria or nearby areas. Participation is voluntary, and respondents must give consent before taking part. The study has been approved by The Lifescape Project’s Research Ethics Committee (Reference LPREC27/08/24), and all responses will remain anonymous.
To take part in the consultation, visit: www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/CWTEquestionnaire.
More information about the project can be found at lifescapeproject.org.