The Eagle Reintroduction Wales (ERW) Project.
The Golden Eagle, known in Welsh as ‘Eryr Euriad’, and White-tailed Eagle, ‘Eryr y Môr’, was once widespread across Wales. Human persecution drove both species to extinction in Wales by the 19th Century. We strongly believe we have a moral duty to restore eagles as part of our native biodiversity, heritage and culture in Wales.
The ERW project launched the start of feasibility studies in 2017, in collaboration with Cardiff University, the Wildlife Trusts Wales and the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation. Our main mission is to replicate the successful eagle reintroduction programmes that have taken place in Scotland, Ireland and England. But, before we restore any eagle species – it is important that wide-scale and considerate public and stakeholder engagement is included in any decisions moving forward in Wales.
The ERW project has an extensive team of advisors and received widespread support from International and National eagle experts. As a collaborative effort, we are using our research and knowledge to shape the best translocation methods fitting to environmental, socio-economical and conservation initiatives in Wales.
Our Plans
Over the last three years, we have gathered a huge amount of information about Wales, including; the historic distribution of eagles, suitable eagle habitats, land use compatibilities, other birds of prey, and focused in on the Welsh landscapes best eagle habitats.
The Welsh landscape still holds an abundance of suitable habitats and nest sites to restore these iconic, cultural and charismatic species. We are now ready to launch the next phase of feasibility assessments to assess wide-scale public and stakeholder attitudes across Wales. This information is key to finalise and select the best areas of focus in Wales for the restoration of Golden Eagles and/or White-tailed Eagles.
The historic distribution of Golden and White-tailed Eagles records in Wales.
Eagle Reintroduction Wales (ERW) Needs Your Help!
We need your help to raise funds to keep our Research Assistant (RA) in post at Cardiff University. We hope to reach a minimum target of £25,000 for a 6-month research position (£17,000) and research budget (£7,500). Our ultimate goal would be to raise £50,000 and secure a year's employment (£33,000) and research budget (£15,000). Donations, small or large, will be put to immediate use on the ERW project!
The more we raise the more secure our future will be during the pandemic to continue our pioneering work. We have not yet needed to ask for public support, but until government and conservation funds are back open – we need your help!
Your support will help us continue to gather crucial evidence about the feasibility of restoring eagles to Wales. Your support will enable our RA to initiate: -
- Wide-spread public, community and stakeholder consultations.
- Habitat Risk Assessments (HRAs).
- Comprehensive prey availability assessments.
- The selection of the best release site for both eagles in Wales.
- A project steering group to guide the next steps in this work.
- The practical plans and methods leading to eagle restorations in Wales.
We are excited to take this project to the next stage, and your support would mean a lot to us. This project has the ability to bring great ecological and societal benefits to Wales - and you can be part of our journey.
Rewards
Any donation SMALL or BIG will help us achieve our goals! We understand this is a difficult time for many so if you are unable to contribute with a donation, sharing our Crowdfund with your friends or family is all you need to do!
*NEW REWARD* To help us crowdfund Mountain Escapes has kindly donated a days experience for one lucky supporter and up to three friends. Would you be interested in a guided mountain day in Snowdonia? Learn more about basic navigation? Scramble over the legendary Crib Coch? Take on the North Ridge of Tryfan? OR just a visit to one of the quieter parts of Snowdonia National park?
The first supporter that pledges a £200 donation will WIN and CHOOSE one of these amazing experiences for a day with fully qualified mountain leaders.
For access to rewards like our gift vouchers, ERW project ‘Thank you’ e-card or our Interim Report 2020; you must provide your full name for any pledged donation and email us at [email protected].
As supporters or friends of the ERW project, we will use your details to contact you by email to say a big thank you and issue relevant rewards. Otherwise, your data is held securely and in adherence to the Data Protection Act.
Business Support Opportunities
As a high profile project, our public talks and media attention (e.g. ITV, BBC, Wales Online, Guardian etc.) provide a great chance to gain visibility and recognition for your support. Your support could gain firm recognition as a 'Bronze', 'Silver', 'Gold' or ‘Platinum’ supporter in our talks, meeting booklets and website. Who else are supporters? - Visit our Wall of Fame!
The following support opportunities are available: -
- A donation of £500 - recognition as a Bronze Supporter
- A donation of £1,000 - recognition as a Silver Supporter
- A donation of £2,500 - recognition as a Gold Supporter
- A donation of over £5,000 - recognition as a Platinum Supporter
Sophie-lee Williams; the founder and research assistant of the ERW project, holding one of our 'ambassador' Golden Eagles at Falconry Experience Wales.
Norwegian Eagle experts and the ERW team studying White-tailed Eagles in Norway. Picture credit - James Byrne.
For more information about the Eagle Reintroduction Wales (ERW) Project and the work we do, please see our website or follow us!
Website: https://www.eaglereintroductionwales.com/
Facebook: @ERWProject
Twitter: @ERWproject