The Cumbrian White-tailed Eagle project host November talks

The Cumbrian White-tailed Eagle project will be visiting several locations throughout November to give more local people an opportunity to engage with the proposal and share their views.  

A number of drop-in sessions will be held over the next month including an event at Swarthmoor Hall in Ulverston on November 12 between 11am and 8pm.

A white-tailed eagle fledgling takes flight with the support of it's parent (Image: Amanda Fergusson) Another event will be hosted at The Settlement in Maryport on Thursday November 21 from 11am to 8pm.

An information session is also planned for RSPB Leighton Moss in Silverdale on Wednesday November 27 between 11am and 8pm.

As Britain’s largest native bird of prey, white-tailed eagles were once widespread but were lost during the early 20th century due to disturbance, harm and killing of the birds.

At one point, the eagles were found in abundance across Cumbria, with the last recorded breeding attempt located near Haweswater in 1787.

White-tailed eagle (Image: Dan Russon) The birds have since been reintroduced to Scotland and the Isle of Wight, as well as Ireland.

There are now breeding populations across Scotland and Ireland, and in 2023 a white-tailed eagle chick was born in southern England for the first time in 243 years.

Research by the eagle project found that Cumbria has suitable habitat as well as plenty of food, and that reintroduced birds would be able to grow into a healthy population.

The project is hosted by the Cumbrian White-Tailed Eagle Steering Group, made up of organisations including the University of Cumbria, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, The Lifescape Project, RSPB, the Wildland Institute, the Lake District National Park Authority alongside local estate owners and managers.