South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project launches £400,000 survival appeal

The project could be wound down at the end of 2024 as funding is due to run out at the end of the year

A public appeal to raise £400,000 has taken flight to secure the future of the pioneering South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project.

Around 47 golden eagles are now soaring in southern Scotland’s skies – the highest number recorded in the last three centuries – instead of less than four pairs when the hugely popular community-supported scheme stepped in.

The increase in numbers follows a series of groundbreaking translocations of free-flying young golden eagles (aged between six months and three years) under a research licence from NatureScot, to add to those brought to the hills above Moffat since 2018 – including chicks brought from the Highlands and islands, which have settled on territory together and begun building eyries.

However, it will now have to be ‘wound down’ with current funding running out at the end of this year, unless cash can be raised for their new plans to now reintroduce golden eagles to other areas of the UK where they are currently extinct.

The team want to launch a standalone charity named RUN (Restoring Upland Nature) in 2025, and use their skills to spread their wings and the project across the UK.

Launching the appeal, the project chairman, Michael Clarke, said: “We have had incredible success in the south of Scotland thanks to the support of community, partners and funders. With enough new public donations, we can take these learnings to restore this iconic species to other areas of the UK.”

Project Manager Dr Cat Barlow added: “Every donation made will play a key part in reversing the UK’s biodiversity decline and ensuring current and future generations across the UK can experience that incredible sense of excitement – and hope – on seeing golden eagles soar.”

It has the backing of Springwatch TV presenter Iolo Williams, who said: “Hopefully soon they will be back in England and, who knows, maybe in my kids’ lifetime they’ll be back in Wales.

“But that is only if this exciting project can continue.

“They’re running out of money and need your help. They need to raise that money as soon as possible.”

• To donate or register your interest in becoming a supporting partner, go online at: goldeneaglessouthofscotland.co.uk.

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