CLA warns Natural England over the reintroduction of sea eagles

The CLA has written to Natural England saying that landowners and farmers are concerned about the way decisions concerning the proposed reintroduction of white tailed eagles into Norfolk appear to be being made.

Natural England proposes to reintroduce white tailed eagles to the Norfolk coast. Issues of concern for land owners and farmers include the impact on livestock young, local shoots and conservation projects.

CLA President Henry Aubrey-Fletcher said: "Before any decision on whether sea eagles should be introduced is taken, there needs to be an informed discussion with key stakeholders at national level at which we can look into the issues in the necessary detail. All the ecological, social and environmental considerations have to be reflected on. An independent scientific assessment needs to be carried out and made public.

"Our members are worried about the effect the proposed reintroduction will have on their livestock. There have been many reported cases of sea eagles taking young lambs in Scotland where they have been introduced. Our letter to Natural England asks them to explain how they would manage the situation and compensate livestock owners."

The CLA President added: "The impact of any reintroduction will inevitably be most keenly felt by those who own and manage the land, and it is their views and the implications for their businesses, which need to be given the greatest weight.

"The CLA is also aware of concerns that there is a realistic possibility that the population, once established, will spread along both the coastline and the main watercourses, and have asked what is being to done to assess the extent of the area likely to be affected?

"There is significant concern about this project such that Natural England risk alienating the very people the organisation needs to implement its policies and ensure it reaches its targets, the farmers and landowners."

The full text of the letter is below.

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Full text of letter from CLA President Henry Aubrey-Fletcher to Natural England Chief Executive Helen Phillips:

Dear Helen

I am writing to express the CLA's unease over the way in which Natural England's decisions concerning the proposed reintroduction of white tailed eagles into Norfolk appear to be being made.

I am of course pleased that there has been a significant shift from English Nature's initial position, as suggested by its December 2005 council report, which seemed to be that objections from landowners and similar stakeholders were something to be managed rather than assessed on their merits.

Nevertheless, it now looks as though the most important consideration for Natural England is to be public opinion.  If so, this is regrettable. The impact of any reintroduction will inevitably be most keenly felt by those who own and manage the land, and it is their views and the implications for their businesses which need to be given the greatest weight.

As such, the publicity being given to the results of the opinion poll taken in north Norfolk is particularly unhelpful.  

I appreciate the Environment Council report was produced with the intention of establishing the position of landowners and rural businesses, but it really only represents the views of a select few. 

Accordingly, to my mind, before any decision on whether white tailed eagles should be introduced is taken, there needs to be an informed discussion with key stakeholders at national level at which we can look into the issues in the necessary detail.  All the ecological, social and environmental considerations have to be reflected on, and on the basis of objective information. 

In the circumstances, therefore, I would be grateful to have your thoughts on the likely impact of reintroduction on the following:

Livestock.

We are all aware that white tailed eagles will take poultry and young lambs and pigs.   However we need to know the likely extent of the problem.  What numbers are envisaged? This needs to be looked at in economic terms.  Also, can anything be realistically done by way of mitigation? 

Fisheries

There are a number of fisheries, particularly commercial fisheries, likely to be affected by the eagles taking their stock.  Again, has there been any study of likely extent of the problem? Is Natural England proposing to pay compensation in respect of what could be quite significant losses? 

Shoots

Both game shooting and wildfowling takes place in the area, some of it very valuable to the rural economy.  Has the impact on shooting been considered?  The consequences of there being more visitors to places in which shooting goes on will need to be looked at, as will the effect on the game birds from both the presence of the eagles and the increased visitor pressure.  Again, compensation for any consequential losses will need to be considered.

Nature conservation

There are a number of ongoing conservation projects in the area. To what extent do these face being jeopardised by the reintroduction of white tailed eagles? Are we going to see a decline in the numbers of other species?  Is there a possibility that any publicly funded schemes will be threatened? 

Tourism 

There will probably be an increase in visitors to the area.  Much has been said about the likely benefits this will bring, but is this based on data or it is just opinion? Has there been any study of the possible numbers of additional visitors? Is it proposed, say, to provide anything by way of more viewing stations for example?

Some businesses may see the reintroduction as an opportunity, but others will be worried about impact on the local infrastructure and existing enterprises. Has there been any assessment of these possible downsides?

Future management of the white tailed eagles

I am aware of concerns that there is a realistic possibility that the population, once established, will spread along both the coastline and the main watercourses.  Is this correct?  If so what is being to done to assess the extent of the area likely to be affected? 

Natural England is increasingly perceived as being unsympathetic towards the need to manage wildlife, and we are worried that, if at some future date there is a problem it will be very difficult to get anything done.  Have any contingency plans been made?

There is significant concern about this project such that Natural England risks alienating the very people the organisation needs to implement its policies and ensure it reaches its targets, the farmers and landowners.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely

Henry Aubrey-Fletcher

President, CLA