Talk - Restoring White-tailed Eagles to SE Wales and the Severn Estuary

(postponed from February 27th)

Venue: Pelham Hall bar area
Time: 8pm - post fish and chips
The bar: will be open from 6pm

The white-tailed eagle, also known as the sea eagle, was once a common sight in the UK until the early 20th century. Following an intense and sustained period of persecution, it was completely extirpated. In the 1970s, efforts to restore a population of white-tailed eagles in Scotland began with the release of young birds on the Isle of Rum, marking the beginning of a long-term reintroduction programme. 

The last known breeding pair in Wales was lost in the 1830s. White-tailed eagles are a majestic and iconic species with significant cultural and historical significance in Welsh mythology and folklore.

Dr Sophie-lee Williams is a raptor biologist and is the founder of Eagle Reintroduction Wales which was established as part of her PhD at Cardiff University. Sophie has dedicated 8 years of her research career to restore native-lost eagles and now is employed by Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust as the White-tailed Eagle project officer for Wales.

Her job is to use her research to inform, plan and implement a White-tailed Eagle restoration program in Wales in partnership with Gwent Wildlife Trust. The programme is now focusing on restoring this species to Southeast Wales and the Severn Estuary.