Suffolk Coast and Heaths

The Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnership has voted to support plans by Natural England, the Government’s advisor on the countryside, and RSPB to reintroduce White-tailed Eagles to the Suffolk coast.

The vote was passed with 13 partners in favour, while two opposed the plan and two abstained. It is an important endorsement of the project because the AONB Partnership’s 26 members include many of the organisations directly involved on the Suffolk coast, such as local authorities, government agencies, conservation charities, groups representing landowners, the tourism industry and other local stakeholders. The Partnership’s decision to give its approval to the scheme is also in line with local public opinion, which shows overwhelming support for the project in recent polls.

David Wood, Chairman of the Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB Partnership said, “The White-tailed Eagle reintroduction represents an important conservation milestone, and could lead to these magnificent birds once more becoming a regular sight over lowland Britain, an area that was formally part of their natural range.”

David continued, “If the reintroduction goes ahead, it will be important to ensure that the scheme is cost effective, both in conservation terms and in the benefits the birds will bring to the local economy. We will need to plan carefully to ensure that the tranquil and high quality landscape of the Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB is not compromised by increased numbers of visitors.”

Before any birds are released in Suffolk there are still significant milestones to be overcome. More technical information must be gathered about the way the Eagles might interact with other wildlife and livestock. There will also be further consultation with stakeholders such as the farming community to understand the potential challenges and to work with them to develop strategies that will address any concerns. The support of local people is a critical part of the project as without that support, the reintroduction is unlikely to succeed. A recent poll undertaken by the project group of more than 500 members of the public, held across a number of Suffolk locations, showed overwhelming support for the project. Once the feasibility study has been successfully completed, the project partners will need to decide whether or not to proceed with the reintroduction. A licence will also need to be obtained should it be decided to go ahead with the project.

White-tailed Eagles were formerly widespread across the UK, but were persecuted to extinction in England in the mid-19th century. They have already been successfully reintroduced in Scotland, where 40 pairs are now established, and conservationists have been assessing the feasibility of reintroducing the birds into lowland England. It is considered that the Suffolk coast, much of which is part of the Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB, offers the best location to reintroduce the eagles – testament to the quality of the unspoilt Suffolk coast.

Malcolm Farrow, Communications Officer, Suffolk Coast and Heaths Unit. Tel:01394 384948