Natural England, the RSPB and Anglian Water have been working together to establish a new population of the UK’s largest bird of prey which, at present, can only be found on the west coast of Scotland.

It was hoped the eagles could be introduced along the coast this summer but consultations will now continue throughout 2009 with Natural England insisting the scheme has not been postponed or delayed.

Spokesman Andrew Smith said: “At the beginning of the consultation we indicated that the earliest a licence for reintroduction could ever have been issued was in the spring of 2009 but that is far from saying a decision to issue a licence then had ever been made.

“There is not a set timetable for the reintroduction of sea eagles, we very properly want to get as full a picture of the impacts that a reintroduction may have and ensure that we have consulted as widely as we can before any sort of final decision is made about whether or not a reintroduction should take place.”

The white-tailed eagle, also known as the sea eagle, became extinct in England during the mid-nineteenth century due to a loss of habitat and human persecution but evidence shows they were once widespread across the country, including East Anglia.

They are scavenger and opportunist birds who feed on carrion (dead flesh) or steal prey from other predators. They also catch live prey including fish, water birds and medium-sized mammals.

A series of public consultation events to gauge reaction to the possible reintroduction were held in our region in late November and a contrast of views were expressed.

The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) has welcomed news that the consultation period will continue and that detailed scientific studies will be carried out.

‘concerned’

Eastern region director Nicola Currie said: “The CLA is extremely concerned about the impact of introducing such a major predator, both upon wildlife and livestock and poultry businesses.

“Ever since Natural England announced its plan to begin the introduction of the sea eagle this spring the CLA has been asking for this delay so that a thorough, scientific assessment can be done.

“Among the matters that need to be studied is the effect of disturbance upon outdoor pigs and poultry. We simply do not know how they would react to a huge bird flying above them. This aspect does not appear to have been taken into account originally.”

A reintroduction project was also being considered in Suffolk as part of efforts to identify possible release sites stretching from The Wash to The Thames.