It’s amazing to think that it’s been four years since the start of the ground-breaking project to reinstate White-tailed Eagles on the Isle of Wight.
It was in April 2019 that a five-year programme between the Forestry Commission and Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation was announced, that would see the reintroduction of White-tailed Eagles in the south of the UK.
Just a few months later six juvenile birds were released on the Isle of Wight, and over the following years another 19 birds have also been released here.
Four-year update
Steve Egerton-Read, the White-tailed Eagle project officer, has been reflecting on the last four years in his latest blog.
He shares the pride many Islanders have that the project is taking place here, the moments of wonder when people see the birds for the first time, the changing perceptions and growing support for the project.
It also includes this great shots taken in West Sussex by Mike Jerome of a WTE fishing through ice. Click on the images to see larger versions and arrow through the gallery.
Egerton-Read: All interest groups showing increased support
Steve explained,
“The most recent survey results are incredibly encouraging. Overall, 93% of respondents were supportive of the project, compared to 86% in 2019, with all interest groups showing increased support.
“However, a small number of people still have limited support for the project. Reasons given for this include a perception of the south of England being an unsuitable location for the return of the eagles, risk of persecution and the need to direct resources towards other projects.
“The areas of the country with most increased levels of support were, perhaps unsurprisingly, those where the birds have been most visible. This includes the Isle of Wight, Dorset, Sussex and Hampshire. This shows just how powerful and emotive it is to spot one of these incredible birds in the wild. In fact, the presence of the eagles was ranked third in a list of reasons to visit the Isle of Wight.
“The survey also suggests a growing interest in the reintroduction of lost species like the white-tailed eagles, with more than 90% of respondents interested in seeing further species reintroductions to southern England.”
Read the rest of Steve’s latest blog over on the Forestry England Website.
Sharing sightings
If you are lucky enough to see an eagle in the wild and would like to share your experience with Forestry England, the best way to do this is via the sightings form on the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation Website.
You can also share your images by tagging @SeaEagleEngland on Twitter and Instagram. With the welfare of the birds in mind, it is important that exact locations are not shared with any images.
Image: © Ainsley Bennett
