North England farmers fear livestock risk from eagle reintroduction

The NFU-led survey found that 85 per cent of respondents in Durham, Cumbria and North Yorkshire opposed the return of the birds, mainly due to concerns about livestock welfare and the future of upland farming.

Abigail Teward, NFU environment adviser, said: “It is extremely concerning that 58 per cent of farmers who completed the survey were unaware of the project at all.

“This is particularly worrying given that a longstanding NFU position is that any reintroduction programme must involve early, meaningful and transparent consultation from organisations with the farming community.”

White-tailed eagles, one of Europe’s largest birds of prey, have already been reintroduced in Scotland and other parts of the UK.

However, the NFU survey revealed that a majority of farmers believe their reintroduction in Cumbria, North Yorkshire and Durham would pose significant risks to sheep farming, which underpins local economies and cultural heritage.

Farmers warned that without robust evidence, properly funded mitigation measures, and clear long‑term management plans, the costs and consequences of reintroduction would fall disproportionately on them.

Abigail Teward said: “With 85 per cent of respondents opposing reintroduction, farmers are clearly telling us they are deeply concerned about what this would mean for their animals, their livelihoods and the future of upland farming in Cumbria.

“These concerns are grounded in evidence gained from feedback from farmers in Scotland where white-tailed eagles have been reintroduced and other parts of the UK and should not be dismissed.

“Any decision must fully recognise the risks farmers believe they will be asked to shoulder.”

William Maughan, NFU North regional board chair, said: “Farmers are not opposed to nature recovery, but it must work alongside productive agriculture, not undermine it.

“The survey shows serious reservations about how livestock welfare would be protected and who would bear the long‑term responsibility if problems arise.

“Farmers fear that without clear evidence, properly funded mitigation, and a credible long‑term plan, reintroduction would leave them bearing the costs and consequences.”

A further concern was the practical challenge of managing sheep across large and remote upland areas, where close monitoring is often not feasible.

The NFU said the survey findings will inform ongoing discussions with conservation organisations and policymakers.