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| Photo: Wikipedia |
HOPES of returning the white-tailed sea eagle to Cumbrian skies have been strengthened after 90 per cent of people questioned said they would back a reintroduction programme.
The support was pledged during the first stage of important research into whether the giant birds of prey should be brought back to the Solway Coast.
Campaigners argue such a move would bring a multi-million pound tourist boost.
A feasibility study is now being carried out by the Centre for Wildlife Conservation at the University of Cumbria. It has just completed the first important stage – a speculative consultation to gauge opinion among the general public.
Mic Mayhew, a masters student at the university, carried out the research and discovered that almost 90 per cent of people interviewed were in favour of the reintroduction project.
He said: “We are encouraged and excited that such a broad range of people, from farmers and fisherman to city workers in Carlisle, have shown their support for the project.”
The survey focused on urban and rural locations in north Cumbria within the proposed area along the Solway coast, stretching from Carlisle in the east to Maryport in the west.
Mr Mayhew said that although only a small proportion of people objected, it was important that their concerns regarding the impact of sea eagles on farming interests and wildlife are taken into account.
The next stage of the feasibility study will look at the issues in more detail. Starting in the autumn, it will see wider consultation with local organisations who have an interest in the project.
Mr Mayhew added: “By consulting with business, farming and conservation groups, we hope to address the concerns raised by the general public. We look forward to working together to find ways of making the project work without affecting the livelihoods of farmers and landowners, many of whom are already struggling to make ends meet.”
Continued: http://www.in-cumbria.com/hopes-soar-of-returning-rare-sea-eagle-to-cumbrian-skies-1.991078?referrerPath=news-archive/mediawatch
The support was pledged during the first stage of important research into whether the giant birds of prey should be brought back to the Solway Coast.
Campaigners argue such a move would bring a multi-million pound tourist boost.
A feasibility study is now being carried out by the Centre for Wildlife Conservation at the University of Cumbria. It has just completed the first important stage – a speculative consultation to gauge opinion among the general public.
Mic Mayhew, a masters student at the university, carried out the research and discovered that almost 90 per cent of people interviewed were in favour of the reintroduction project.
He said: “We are encouraged and excited that such a broad range of people, from farmers and fisherman to city workers in Carlisle, have shown their support for the project.”
The survey focused on urban and rural locations in north Cumbria within the proposed area along the Solway coast, stretching from Carlisle in the east to Maryport in the west.
Mr Mayhew said that although only a small proportion of people objected, it was important that their concerns regarding the impact of sea eagles on farming interests and wildlife are taken into account.
The next stage of the feasibility study will look at the issues in more detail. Starting in the autumn, it will see wider consultation with local organisations who have an interest in the project.
Mr Mayhew added: “By consulting with business, farming and conservation groups, we hope to address the concerns raised by the general public. We look forward to working together to find ways of making the project work without affecting the livelihoods of farmers and landowners, many of whom are already struggling to make ends meet.”
Continued: http://www.in-cumbria.com/hopes-soar-of-returning-rare-sea-eagle-to-cumbrian-skies-1.991078?referrerPath=news-archive/mediawatch
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