England's white-tailed eagles successfully produce three offspring, marking a significant breeding year for the species

In a remarkable turn of events, white-tailed eagles have made a significant comeback in England, thanks to a reintroduction program by the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation. The project, which began in 2019 on the Isle of Wight, has seen promising progress over the past few years.

The year 2024 marked a milestone, with three white storks raised from wild nests as part of the program. The progress made in the last year has been encouraging, with two pairs reaching the key stage of successful breeding. This achievement brings the total number of chicks born in the wild through the reintroduction project to six.

Two more chicks were born in the summer of 2024, to the same parents, and a record three chicks fledged from two wild nests. The first chick in Dorset for 240 years also fledged, marking a significant milestone in the reintroduction program.

The study shows that white-tailed eagles in the region are targeting prey such as cuttlefish, rabbits, fish, and other birds. Some of the younger released birds are present in potential breeding areas, typically close to freshwater wetlands or the coast.

Roy Dennis, the man behind the project, expressed his satisfaction at the successful breeding of two pairs of white-tailed eagles. He hopes to build on this progress and release additional birds to further boost the population. The team behind the project reported that the same parents have gone on to breed successfully again in Sussex this year.

However, the comeback has not been without its challenges. Two white-tailed eagles were found dead in 2022, prompting investigations in Dorset and the Isle of Wight. Presence of rat poison brodifacoum was found in both dead birds, but the investigations ended as tests on the birds were inconclusive.

Despite concerns that the birds could prey on livestock such as lambs, no conflicts with farming have been observed. All chicks are fitted with satellite tags so that the project team can track their progress.

White-tailed eagles were once widespread in southern England but were wiped out in the region due to persecution. It is hoped that a population of six to 10 breeding pairs will be established within 60km (40 miles) of the release site on the Isle of Wight. Three pairs released by the scheme have formed and established territories in southern England.

This reintroduction project is a collaborative effort between the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation and Forestry England. It is a testament to the power of conservation efforts and a beacon of hope for the restoration of England's wildlife.

England's white-tailed eagles successfully produce three offspring, marking a significant breeding year for the species