Golden eagles are one of the UK’s most impressive birds of prey. Once found across upland areas of England, these iconic birds virtually disappeared more than a century ago.
Now, new research shows the population could be restored, and we’re working with partners to explore how to support their comeback.
Golden eagle appearance, habitat and diet
Golden eagles are large, powerful birds that soar over open uplands, using their broad wings to glide on rising air currents. They have a varied diet depending on where they are, the habitat and prey availability. They mostly eat rabbits, hares, birds and carrion.
Today, golden eagles are most commonly seen in the Scottish Highlands, where they play an important role in naturally balancing ecosystems, including helping to control populations of other predators, including foxes and crows.
Why golden eagles disappeared from England
Golden eagles became extinct in England in the 19th century. Persecution, habitat loss and a lack of safe nesting sites all contributed to their decline. With so few birds left, the population couldn’t recover on its own.
In recent years, some of the young eagles released in the south of Scotland have begun exploring northern England. These visits are a hopeful sign that, with the right conditions and community support, golden eagles may one day return to breed here.
Success in Scotland
Southern Scotland’s golden eagle population has now been restored to record numbers thanks to decades of conservation and partnership work. A key part of this success is the pioneering South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project, led by our partner the charity Restoring Upland Nature (RUN).
Their inclusive and transparent community‑focused work with landowners, gamekeepers, conservation organisations and local people has helped golden eagles reach record numbers in the south of the country
What the research tells us
We have published a feasibility study, commissioned by Defra and carried out by Forest Research and Natural Research, looking at whether golden eagles could return to England. The study found:
- England has the right natural environment to support golden eagles.
- Eight areas show the greatest ecological potential to support these birds: the Cheviots, North Pennines, Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, Bowland, South Pennines, North York Moors and the South West.
- Golden eagles could return naturally from southern Scotland, with landowners and managers collaborating to create suitable habitat and nesting opportunities.
- It could take decades for golden eagles naturally returning from southern Scotland to successfully breed and expand across northern England.
- A carefully planned reintroduction could speed up recovery.
By reviewing previous research and evidence, the study predicts public support to be high. It also highlights the importance of social feasibility work to understand local views and help shape the project, with strong relationships with landowners, land managers, farmers and local communities being essential for success.
You can read the full Golden eagle recovery feasibility study here.
Our work in northern England
As the manager of the nation’s forests, we're well placed at Forestry England to support the recovery of golden eagles to northern England. Our ambition is that England's forests become the most valuable places for wildlife to thrive and expand, including species such as golden eagles which help restore functioning ecosystems.
The forest landscapes we manage in northern England include significant upland areas suitable for golden eagles to hunt and nest in. And the edges of the forests we care for offer hunting opportunities for the eagles as they return to settle and breed.
We're working in partnership with RUN to explore how golden eagles could return to northern England. This project is in its very early stages and focuses on listening, learning and building trust with the people who live and work in the areas where eagles might one day live.
The project's next steps
As with all our species restoration work, we will follow best‑practice guidance set by Defra and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Over the next few years, we will work with RUN and other project partners to:
- Carry out stakeholder mapping to identify people to engage with, listen to and build trust with, leading to detailed consultation with landowners, land managers, farmers, raptor working groups, game keepers, community groups, and conservation organisations.
- Look at local habitat, potential nesting sites and natural prey availability.
- Learn more about how people feel about the possible return of golden eagles.
- Share information openly and regularly.
If the project moves forward, any release of young eagles would only happen once studies and consultation are complete, and if there is strong support from local communities.
Working in partnership
RUN will lead this work, bringing their experience from the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project. Their long‑term success shows what can be achieved through collaboration, practical knowledge and genuine engagement with the people who know these landscapes best.
At Forestry England, we'll support RUN with our experience in wildlife recovery and by working closely with other national and local partners and communities, in much the same way as the project worked in southern Scotland.
Together, we hope to understand how best to support the return of golden eagles to northern England in a way that supports nature and works for the people who live and work in these upland landscapes.
Contact us about the golden eagles project
We’d love to hear from you about the proposed golden eagle project. Whether you have additional questions, ideas, or feedback, your voice matters. Send an email to goldeneagleproject@forestryengland.uk and a member of the team will be in touch.
