PLANS to reintroduce white-tailed eagles to Exmoor after a 200-year absence have sparked a furious exchange of opinions on social media platforms with some farmers worried the birds would take their lambs.

The sea eagles are the UK’s largest bird of prey with a wingspan of up to eight feet and seven of the birds have already been tracked spending time along the Exmoor coast and in combes on the moor in recent years.

Exmoor National Park Authority (ENPA) is supporting a programme which wants to release up to 20 juvenile eagles over three years to reinforce the population which has already started to be established.

The park authority has been conducting an online public opinion exercise about the project which closes on Friday (January 31) and held information events in Dunster, Exford, and Lynmouth, which have attracted large and sometimes rowdy attendances.

Now, a sometimes bitter spat has broken out on social media between mostly farming opposition and those who support the idea.

One farmer, John Balman, said: “It has become apparent there are people out there and local organisations as well as other ones forcing their agenda that do not give a monkey how Exmoor farmers feel or care for the moor.”

Mr Balman said a poll following an ENPA meeting showed 59 people supporting the birds’ reintroduction and 236 against, despite an authority claim of only three per cent opposition.

Ashley Trawin said: “It seems they value more the eagles then the farmers and livestock who have farmed Exmoor for generations.”

The UK's largest bird of prey with a wingspan of eight feet, sea eagles, are beginning to re-populate Exmoor.
Sea eagles, the UK's largest bird of prey, could be reintroduced to Exmoor. ( )

Helen Hambly said: “I am sure these massive raptors will push out red kites and other native birds, pheasants, grouse.

“These predatory birds can roam a 65-mile radius for food. I wonder how many people are actually aware of this from the 65-mile release site.”

Christopher Land said: “There is a strong anti-farmer/landowner feeling among these so-called conservation groups.”

David Barnes said: “They will all think these eagles are wonderful until they take a pet dog or small child one day.”

An ENPA spokesperson said: “We are taking any concerns on board, responding to FAQs, and have encouraged everybody to also share their views in our survey.

Some Exmoor farmers are worried lambs could be taken if sea eagles are reintroduced to the national park.PHOTO: ENPA.
Some Exmoor farmers are worried lambs could be taken if sea eagles are reintroduced to the national park.PHOTO: ENPA. ( )

“Our teams have also been going out talking to farmers and landowners across Exmoor, including those who already have eagles visiting their land/shoots/farms.

“There are various meetings happening with relevant partners and farming organisations.

“There has been lively debate on social media, but we are currently receiving a majority positive response to the project proposal survey.

“When it closes, the data will be collated and sent to Natural England along with feasibility study, etc, for assessment.”

The spokesperson said there had not been any livestock predation issues with eagles which had been visiting Exmoor for the past several years, with all of the birds satellite-tracked to provide precise data.

They said a steering group including farming organisations would oversee the project if it went ahead and there would be a robust reporting procedure in place.