The NPA and NFU have spoken out about plans by Natural England to reintroduce white-tailed eagles on a Norfolk estate.
Following a consultation, the agency announced the release of 60 young eagles over a 10-year period.
The White-tailed Eagle or Sea Eagle, is Britain’s largest bird of prey with an 8-foot wing span which farmers fear could pose a threat to livestock, including young pigs.
NPA senior policy advisor Charlie Dewhirst said: “We are disappointed that Natural England has given the project the green light without addressing the concerns of NPA members. East Anglia is home to a significant proportion of the UK’s outdoor pig herd and farmers are rightly worries by the potential impact of introducing these large apex predators.”
The NFU also criticised the decision and its East Anglia environment adviser Rob Wise added: “The likely range of these birds is home to around half of the country’s outdoor reared pigs and poultry, and also has a significant amount of sheep grazing.
“Farmers are worried that the sea eagles will prey on livestock including lambs, piglets and free-range poultry. Many members are also concerned about the impact sea eagles will have on their conservation efforts.
LSL News.