Golden eagles are poised for a comeback in England after the government backed plans to reintroduce them. The birds might arrive under their own steam first, though
One of Britain’s most iconic birds, the golden eagle, could soon soar over England again after more than 150 years of absence, following new government backing for a recovery programme that blends conservation science with community-led action.
Once widespread across England and woven into the country’s cultural fabric – appearing more than 40 times in the works of William Shakespeare – golden eagles were driven to near extinction during the Victorian era through sustained persecution and habitat pressure. In modern times, sightings south of the Scottish border have been rare, and the last known eagle in England died in the Lake District in 2016.
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Now, a new feasibility study by Forestry England suggests that the conditions for their return may finally be in place. The research identifies eight potential recovery zones, primarily across northern England, where landscapes could once again support sustainable populations of the birds.
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Backed by £1m in government funding, the next phase will explore how a reintroduction could work in practice. This may include the release of juvenile birds, aged six to eight weeks, as early as next year. The aim is not only to restore a lost species, but to rebuild the ecological balance that golden eagles once helped maintain.
“This government is committed to protecting and restoring our most threatened native wildlife – and that includes bringing back iconic species like the golden eagle,” said Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds. “We will work alongside partners and communities to make the golden eagle a feature of English landscapes once again.”
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The proposal builds on recent momentum in species restoration across England. Last year, the government approved the reintroduction of Eurasian beavers into the wild, while a separate £60m funding package has been earmarked to protect threatened native species. Together, these moves signal a shift towards more ambitious, ecosystem-level approaches to conservation.
Golden eagles are considered a keystone species – a predator at the top of the food chain whose presence can influence the health of entire ecosystems. By regulating prey populations and shaping animal behaviour, they help maintain balance across landscapes, from upland moors to forest edges. Their return could therefore have wider benefits for biodiversity, particularly in areas where ecosystems have become degraded or simplified.
Research by Forestry England identifies eight potential recovery zones, primarily across northern England, where landscapes could once again support sustainable populations of the birds. Image: Dmitry Grigoriev
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There are already signs that nature is beginning to do some of the work itself. In southern Scotland, the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project has successfully boosted eagle numbers through translocation and habitat management. Satellite tracking shows that some of these birds are now venturing across the border into northern England, hinting at a natural recolonisation that could be supported and accelerated.
The new programme aims to build on that success. Led by conservation charity Restoring Upland Nature in partnership with Forestry England and other organisations, it will focus as much on people as on wildlife.
“This presents a truly exciting, and potentially game-changing moment for the return of golden eagles to northern England,” said the charity’s chief executive, Cat Barlow. “Our success to date is testament to the strength of collaborative working between conservationists, raptor study groups, gamekeepers and land managers, and to the incredible support of thousands of people across communities in southern Scotland.”
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This presents a truly exciting, and potentially game-changing moment for the return of golden eagles to northern England
That emphasis on collaboration is critical. Past attempts to protect birds of prey in the UK have often been undermined by conflict between conservation goals and land management practices, particularly in upland areas associated with game shooting. The new approach seeks to avoid those tensions by involving farmers, landowners, gamekeepers and local communities from the outset, ensuring that any reintroduction supports both nature and livelihoods.
Forestry England’s chief executive, Mike Seddon, said the organisation’s long-term ambition is for the nation’s forests to become “the most valuable places for wildlife to thrive and expand”. He added that reintroducing lost species is a key part of that vision, but must be done carefully and inclusively.
“The detailed findings of our feasibility study will guide us with our partners to take the next steps,” he said. “This funding means we can build support and engage with local communities, landowners and conservation organisations.”
If successful, the timeline for recovery will be gradual. Scottish birds may become a more regular sight over northern England within a decade, but establishing a stable, breeding population is likely to take longer. Golden eagles are slow to mature and require large territories, meaning that population growth is measured over generations rather than years.
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Golden eagles are considered a keystone species – a predator at the top of the food chain whose presence can influence the health of entire ecosystems. Image: Mathew Schwartz
Still, the symbolic power of their return is hard to overstate. As one of Britain’s largest birds of prey, with a wingspan that can exceed two metres, the golden eagle has long captured the public imagination. Its absence from English skies has been both an ecological and cultural loss.
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Reintroducing such a species is not without challenges, and success will depend on sustained funding, careful monitoring and continued public support. But the groundwork now being laid suggests a more mature model of conservation is taking hold – one that recognises that restoring nature is as much about people and partnerships as it is about wildlife.
The initiative forms part of the government’s broader Environmental Improvement Plan, which includes targets to halt the decline in species abundance by 2030 and reduce extinction risk by 2042. Achieving those goals will require not just protecting what remains, but actively rebuilding what has been lost.
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The officially licensed Star Wars Crocs Kids Classic Clogs feature an R2-D2 design that young fans will love. They’ve been reduced to £24.25 on Amazon – a saving of over 56% off the usual £54.99 price.
Nisha Mal and Sarah Tulloch Senior Affiliates Writer
14:33, 04 May 2026Updated 14:38, 04 May 2026
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Amazon is giving Star Wars fans something to celebrate on the official May 4th day, with a cracking price reduction on a pair of children’s Crocs.
The Star Wars Crocs Kids Classic Clogsordinarily retail at £54.99, but in a deal that’s out of this world, they’ve been slashed to £24.25 — a remarkable saving of £30.74, or 56% off. The limited-edition footwear boasts an R2-D2 design, offering a charming droid-inspired look that little ones are sure to love.
For further Star Wars bargains, LEGO enthusiasts can snap up a Cobb Vanth’s Speeder Toy for Kidsat Argos for £19, reduced from £25. Suitable for children aged seven and above, the set contains 107 bricks.
Over at Debenhams, adult fans can treat themselves to a Star Wars Blanket Hoodiepriced at £41.75, featuring a bold Darth Vader armour mask graphic across the chest, complete with suit detailing throughout, reports the Daily Record.
The Star Wars Crocs Kids Classic Clogscarry an impressive 4.7 customer rating on Amazon, with glowing reviews, many purchased as gifts. One satisfied shopper wrote: “My Star Wars-loving son was thrilled. True to size, comfortable, and great quality. Wipe off easily with some soap and water. Happy with this purchase.” Another delighted parent commented: “My little one loves Crocs and Star Wars, so these were great. They fit perfectly and are super comfortable.”
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Someone else remarked: “Love these shoes, they’re so comfortable and easy to wear!”
One reviewer deducted a star due to pricing, noting: “These Crocs are the same as basically all Crocs from a style and quality standpoint. The R2D2-themed styling is fun for kids who are fans of Star Wars. The price point is a little bit higher than I’d like. The fit is the same as other versions of Crocs!”
Another purchaser had a more positive take, commenting: “Really cool”, while a different shopper observed: “Cute as can be.”
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A further customer shared: “My grandson loves them, he wares constantly, very comfortable too. Easy slip on and off.”
Whitby Goth Weekend was staged from Friday, May 1 to Monday, May 3 in what is billed as a celebration of alternative music, literature, fashion, art and the pursuit of “community, friendship and freedom of expression”.
The hugely popular event is held twice a year, in Spring and Autumn, and sees the streets and venues of Whitby packed with people dressed in an array of gothic costumes.
Visitors show off their costumes at Whitby Goth Weekend 2026 (Image: Garry Hornby)
Visitors show off their costumes at Whitby Goth Weekend 2026 (Image: Garry Hornby)
Visitors show off their costumes at Whitby Goth Weekend (Image: Garry Hornby)
Vampires rub shoulders with steam punks, while cybergoths mingle with zombies.
Visitors show off their costumes at Whitby Goth Weekend 2026 (Image: Garry Hornby)
The event was first hosted by Jo Hampshire, when she invited 40 of her pen pals to The Elsinore Inn, close to the centre of the idyllic town.
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Visitors show off their costumes at Whitby Goth Weekend 2026 (Image: Garry Hornby)
Visitors show off their costumes at Whitby Goth Weekend 2026 (Image: Garry Hornby)
Now, it attracts guests from all over as a celebration of gothic culture.
The weekender was founded in 1994 and is now one of the most famous gothic events in the world.
Whitby has long been a mecca for goths after the town inspired author Bram Stoker’s classic gothic novel, Dracula.
The change means certain models of the company’s Kindles will no longer be able to purchase, borrow, or download new content from the store.
The affected devices were introduced between the years of 2007 and 2012, with the move coming due to technology advancing since then.
Amazon has said it is offering affected customers money off select new Kindle devices as well as store credit after purchasing a newer model.
Amazon ending support for old Kindle devices in coming weeks
There are 13 affected Kindle devices in total that support is ending for, all of which were introduced between 2007 and 2012, and have been supported since.
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Affected customers received an email from Amazon if they are affected, with a promotional code to switch to newer models and next steps.
The full list of models affected is:
Kindle 1st Generation (2007)
Kindle 2nd Generation (2009)
Kindle DX and DX Graphite (2009 and 2010)
Kindle Keyboard (2010)
Kindle 4 (2011)
Kindle Touch (2011)
Kindle 5 (2012)
Kindle Paperwhite 1st Generation (2012)
Kindle Fire 1st Gen (2011)
Kindle Fire 2nd Gen (2012)
Kindle Fire HD 7 (2012)
Kindle Fire HD 8.9 (2012)
Kindles remain popular with customers who enjoy reading e-books (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
For Kindle Fire tablets, only Kindle purchasing and downloading is affected, with other Amazon services on Fire tablets remaining fully functional.
Customers’ accounts and Kindle Library remain fully accessible, and they can continue reading previously downloaded books on these devices and can access their entire Kindle library on Kindle for Web, the free Kindle app for Android, iOS, Mac, and PC, or on newer devices.
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An Amazon spokesperson told Newsquest: “Starting May, 20, 2026, customers using Kindle and Kindle Fire devices released in 2012 and earlier will no longer be able to purchase, borrow, or download new content via the Kindle Store.
“These models have been supported for at least 14 years—some as long as 18 years—but technology has come a long way in that time, and these devices will no longer be supported moving forward.
“We are notifying those still actively using them and offering promotions to help with the transition to newer devices.
“Their accounts and Kindle Library also remain fully accessible through the free Kindle app and Kindle for Web.”
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What to do if you have an old Kindle as support for devices ends
Customers can use Amazon’s recycling program if they no longer want to hold onto an affected device.
Amazon recommends that to dispose of electrical or electronic equipment, you donate the unwanted item to a charitable organisation, if it still works, or recycle it.
More information can be found online on how to do this.
Amazon is also offering a promotional code for 20% off select new Kindle devices as well as a £15 eBook credit that will be automatically added to your account after purchasing a new device.
This is valid through to June 20, 2026 (terms and conditions apply).
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Amazon said its newer Kindle devices bring improvements in screen quality, performance and accessibility, and customers will have access to their complete Kindle library and the Kindle Store.
You can also continue to read all your books on our free Kindle apps (Android, iOS, Mac, and PC) and Kindle for Web.
For any questions or assistance, visit the help page.
Launched just over six years ago, it was designed to give hands-free voice control over Fire TV-compatible streaming devices, such as Fire Sticks and Echo smart speakers.
Recommended reading:
It was to aid customers who may have older TVs and soundbars by allowing them to control them with their voice.
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However, due to newer HDMI-CEC technology and the further evolution of Amazon’s Fire TV product lineup, the need for the product has dwindled.
Do you still use any of the old Kindle models that are affected by the change? Let us know in the comments.
Among those, awareness group Holocaust Awareness Ireland, said on social media that the host showed “a singular lack of empathy when speaking about Jews” and asked if he had been “corrupted” by what it described as “the RTE hive mind where the narrative around the issue of Israel and Jews is disturbingly unbalanced.”
Kirsteen Maclean was spotted putting stolen drugs in a plastic bag while colleagues were locking up the Elgin store.
14:55, 04 May 2026Updated 14:57, 04 May 2026
A pharmacy worker has been sacked after she was caught stealing opioids valued at less than £6.
Kirsteen Maclean was nabbed after a colleague saw her putting the drugs into a plastic bag as workers at Boots’ Elgin branch were locking up for the night.
The 33-year-old was witnessed scrunching up a carrier bag in her hand as the store was closing.
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The thief then claimed she needed to nip back inside to get ‘documents and notebooks’.
However, CCTV captured her stealing a box of dihydrocodeine from a drug dispensary and hiding them in the bag, reports the Press and Journal.
It later emerged the drugs were worth just £5.75.
Maclean, who was suspended after Boots bosses reviewed the footage, admitted the theft at Elgin Sheriff Court and blamed a “dependency” on prescription drugs.
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Defence solicitor Megan Lee told the court her client had “lost her career and reputation” and was “deeply ashamed” of her actions after spending years studying for a career in the field.
Sheriff Pasportnikov said Maclean had thrown years of work “out the window” for her drug addiction.
It’s fair to say that nights out in Bolton were once legendary, with iconic clubs, bars and scenes that live long in the memory.
Nights out in Bolton (Image: NQ)
This week, we’re continuing that trip down memory lane with more archive photographs — this time shining a spotlight on The Ritz nightclub during the 1990s, alongside images capturing revellers braving winter nights out, whatever the weather.
Jason Donovan at Ritzy’s nightclub in 1989 (Image: NQ)
The Ritzy was part of a clubbing culture which has all but died in Greater Manchester’s towns and cities. With stricter licensing laws in play until the late 90s all pubs closed at 11pm with clubs such as Ritzy then becoming the ‘only show in town’ for those wanting to carry on the party or go dancing.
Nights out in Bolton (Image: NQ)
It was once well known to a generation of clubbers for its sticky carpets, round the block queues and massive dancefloor.
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Neighbours star Jason Donovan, who the month before, had topped the charts with his first number one single Too Many Broken Hearts performed live at Ritzy’s nightclub in 1989.
The event was a complete sell-out with hundreds of fans left disappointed they could not get their hands on a ticket.
Sir David Attenborough attended Clare College at the University of Cambridge
Laura Harding, PA and Hunni Haynes Trainee multimedia reporter
13:30, 04 May 2026
National treasure Sir David Attenborough is approaching his 100th birthday this week. The UK’s favourite wildlife narrator has had a lifetime of success in educating millions worldwide about the natural world.
Sir David Attenborough has inspired generations to learn more about the world, bringing adventure and wonder, dinosaurs and polar bears, into the homes of millions of television viewers. The renowned naturalist, who will turn 100 years old on Friday, May 8, has brought ground-breaking programmes to the world such as Planet Earth and Blue Planet.
Sir David was born on May 8, 1926, and his interest in nature started as a child when he collected fossils. He went on to gain a Natural Sciences degree from Clare College in Cambridge, after attending Wyggeston Grammar School for Boys in Leicester.
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The legend even had a building in Cambridge named after him: the David Attenborough building. The building lies in the centre of the city and was opened in 2015. Although Sir David has travelled across the globe during his career, we in Cambridge still pride ourselves on his time in the city.
He served in the Royal Navy from 1947 to 1949 before joining the BBC but was initially discouraged from appearing on screen because his bosses reportedly thought his teeth were too big. Despite their dental misgivings, his reputation was cemented when his Zoo Quest series was launched in 1954.
Sir David has proven to be as brave and imaginative as he is warm and conscientious over the years. It is estimated that 500 million people worldwide watched his incredibly successful 13-part series, Life On Earth, which was regarded as the most ambitious series ever produced by the BBC Natural History Unit.
Five years later came the sequel, The Living Planet, in 1984 followed by the final part of this trilogy, The Trials Of Life. In 2001 he narrated The Blue Planet, followed by The Life of Mammals in 2002.
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Life in the Undergrowth came in 2005, followed by the ground-breaking Planet Earth in 2006. It was the most expensive nature documentary series ever commissioned by the BBC, and the first to be filmed in high definition.
In 2019, Sir David made his first major series for Netflix, Our Planet, which explored Earth’s habitats, biodiversity, and the impact of climate change on all living creatures. Sir David writes his own scripts and won a major literary prize for his book The Life Of Birds before the series even screened.
Even as he approaches his 100th birthday, he is a regular fixture on television. Sir David, a trustee of the British Museum, and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and president of the Royal Society for Nature Conservation, was knighted in 1985.
Emergency services were called to Whitson Road in Edinburgh on Monday morning.
A fire has ripped through a top-floor flat in Edinburgh.
The alarm was raised at a block of flats on Whitson Road in the Balgreen area of the capital after a fire broke out at around 10.45am on Monday, May 4.
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A major response saw three fire crews, police and teams from the Scottish Ambulance Service drafted in. Residents were evacuated and the residential street has been locked down.
Images taken at the scene show a top-floor window at the property charred black with soot. Fire hoses can be seen lying around the garden as fire fighters continue to tackle the blaze.
One person has been transferred into the care of the Scottish Ambulance Service. Their injuries are unknown.
A fire response has since been scaled back after crews brought the flames under control.
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A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 10.46am on Monday, 4 May, to reports of a dwelling fire on Whitson Road, Edinburgh.
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“Operations Control mobilised three fire appliances and a number of specialist resources to extinguish a fire affecting a top floor flat.
“One casualty has been taken into the care of the Scottish Ambulance Service.
“Two appliances remain at the scene.”
A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “Emergency services are in attendance following a fire at a block of flats in the Whitson Road area of Edinburgh, which was reported around 10.45am on Monday, May 4.
“Whitson Road and the surrounding access roads are currently closed.
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“Members of the public are asked to avoid the area at this time.”
The Scottish Ambulance Service was contacted for comment.
Emergency services were called to the alley next to the Post Office on Percy Park Road, in Tynemouth, North Tyneside at around 8am today (May 4).
The area was cordoned off as police, crime scene investigators and paramedics attended the scene.
Police have confirmed the man’s death is believed to be not suspicious and enquiries are underway to formally identify the person and notify their next of kin.
Pictures from the scene show a cordon erected, with police wearing blue gloves while carrying out enquires at the scene.
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Police at the scene of a body in the upmarket village of Tynemouth. (Image: North News & Pictures Ltd)
Crime scene investigators were also spotted earlier this morning.
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “Shortly after 8.05am today (May 4), we received a report of concern for a person on Percy Park Road in Tynemouth.
“Emergency services attended the scene where the body of a man was sadly located.
“A police presence is currently in the area and enquiries are underway to formally identify the person and notify their next of kin.
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“There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding the man’s death, and a report will be prepared for the coroner in due course.”
A spokesperson for the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) added: “We were called to an incident on Percy Park Road, Tynemouth shortly before 8am on May 4. We dispatched a double crewed ambulance to the scene.”
Christine McGuinness is a ‘five star lesbian’ after her split with Paddy McGuinness (Picture: Mike Marsland/WireImage)
Christine McGuinness has had a transformative few years since her split from TV icon Paddy McGuinness, now describing herself as a ‘five-star lesbian’.
The couple split in 2022 after 11 years of marriage (Picture: Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images)
Who is Christine McGuinness dating?
Christine was most recently spotted with former Strictly Come Dancing star Nicola, with the pair inseparable at the LGBTQ+ event.
According to the Daily Mail, the pair ‘looked like they were a couple’ but neither have confirmed the romance so far.
Nicola split from her partner of seven years, Ella Baig, last year, and the pair share a son, Taylor Nate, who was born by IVF in July 2022.
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In an interview with The Sun, the boxer admitted that her girlfriend’s career as an OnlyFans model ‘had an impact on our relationship’.
Nicola Adams is rumoured to be dating Christine now (Picture: Hoda Davaine/Getty Images for Emirates)
She said as much as she respected what Ella did, she couldn’t deny the effect it had on them.
Nicola made history in 2012 by winning the first-ever Olympic Women’s Boxing Gold Medal, earning herself an OBE.
Since then, she’s appeared in several TV shows such as Gladiators, Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Gogglebox.
A close friend of Nicola’s also told the Daily Mail: ‘Nicola and Christine will make a good match as they’re both getting over long-term relationships and have children.’
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Who has Christine McGuinness dated before?
When Paddy and Christine first split, she was spotted with Chelcee Grimes,33, while on vacation together and seemingly dating.
The two women never confirmed rumours they were dating but things appeared to have fizzled out by summer 2024.
Chelcee debuted a new partner in July that year with the caption ‘private but not secret’, in a suspected dig at Christine.
According to The Mirror, the singer also replied to a fan about the split in a now-deleted comment, reading: ’No. I had enough of being a secret after nearly 2 years.’
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Christine didn’t comment on the post but has since said she lives a ‘double life’ when it comes to dating.
After the split, Chelcee Grimes said she didn’t want to be a secret for two years (Picture: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
She told the It Started With A Kiss podcast: ‘My family, my kids, my home is up there and then I come to London… I can work, have fun… and I don’t need to worry about everything.
‘Eventually it gets to the point where… my woman’s going, “When am I going to meet the kids?”’ she said, adding that she’s always upfront about her boundaries.
In 2024, the MailOnline reported that Christine had gone on a getaway with rapper Roxxxan, 33, but it was unknown if they were romantically linked.
Christine has not gone official with any of her rumoured partners, likely as part of her efforts to keep her dating life far from her home life.
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She did share on the It Started With A Kiss podcast: ‘I’ve never gone too serious with anybody in the industry, it’s always been more of a fun fling type thing.
‘I’ve spent time with a lot of women in sport. I’ve spent time with women in music. I’ve spent time with actresses.’
What happened between Christine and Paddy McGuinness?
In 2022, Christine and Paddy announced they had ended their 11-year marriage after enduring a ‘very difficult time’.
The pair had initially met in 2007 after a mutual friend introduced them, and they instantly hit it off.
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The exes still live together with their three children (Picture: Instagram)
‘We spoke about this after we separated – what are we comfortable with, how much did we want to share – because neither of us wants to wake up and find the other on the front page of a newspaper,’ she told the Daily Mail.
‘But it’s been three years now, I don’t need to know what he’s doing and he doesn’t need to know about me. It just stays outside the home.’
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