Northern England's Lost Species Opportunities For

Home , Eurasian beaver, Species reintroduction

the

project

NORTHERN ENGLAND’S LOST SPECIES OPPORTUNITIES FOR REINTRODUCTION

LIFESCAPE REPORT 2020

Lifescape Report 2020

The Lifescape Project aims to create For examples of our current projects, please transformed landscapes which are take a look at our website. We are always ecologically diverse and which inspire the eager to hear new ideas that could help to communities which live in and value them, in support our goals, so please contact us order to secure a sustainable future for all life through our website if you think we can be of on earth. This report includes images of wild assistance: landscapes across Europe which still The Lifescape Project is a not-for-profit https://lifescapeproject.org contain many of the species now lost from partnership which was formed by a number of Northern England. These images have been included as beautiful and inspiring organisations with experience in large scale examples of landscapes containing more conservation-based projects and the ecological, complete ecosystems and ecological social, economic and legal considerations behind processes than much of the UK them. Image on next page: Buttermere Lake, The Lake District, Cumbria, The United Kingdom Image on this page: Gran Sasso and Mointi della Laga National Park, Abruzzo, Italy

Lifescape Report 2020

OBJECTIVES AND PURPOSE

Through the information in this report, we In line with IUCN Guidelines on reintroductions hope to open up a debate on the and translocations, this report includes a reintroduction of species which are consideration of the benefits and costs that currently locally extinct in Northern these species could provide for local England by highlighting a range of exciting communities, economies and businesses, and reintroduction possibilities that exist in just explores whether bringing back these extinct this one part of the UK. species to Northern England could be of overall benefit to those who live and work there. This report provides an evidence base for engagement, and we hope it inspires local wildlife and community groups to develop their In this light, the report does not propose to own reintroduction programmes. make any decisions for local communities. We recognise that whilst these species are exciting to those of us who are already passionate about their conservation and ecological benefits, not everyone shares this position. Lifescape Report 2020

OUR CORE OBJECTIVES

We want to make it clear that this report is The core objective of this report is to provide an overview of the ecological, social and not promoting any specific species for economic impacts of reintroducing some of the species which are currently missing from reintroduction in any particular area. Northern England. The wider aims of this report are to: This is an important decision that local communities • Promote awareness of the animal species that have become extinct in Northern must make with accurate and impartial information to England due principally to human influences; hand. Our aim is to provide information that will help • Build an understanding of the benefits and costs associated with reintroducing to inform local debate and initiatives, and we hope to missing species within the local communities that might one day see those species develop an approach that can be repeated return; elsewhere around the country. Following publication • Provide an evidence base for identifying which of those species may be most suitable of the report, we plan to discuss the issues raised for reintroduction into Northern England; with local communities in Northern England through • Inspire engagement and community discussion around species reintroduction; various events and workshops. • Contribute to the discussion around on reintroductions that has been set in motion by the Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan; and • Provide a template for other organisations to assess the suitability of species reintroductions in other areas. Lifescape Report 2020

6 226322-4-145-v2.7 70-40684805 Lifescape Report 2020

WHY THESE SPECIES?

Through this process, a shortlist of 16 missing THE SHORTLIST species was agreed. The shortlisted species were all nationally In discussions with the Cumbria Wildlife Trust, we decided that the report should focus on a shortlist of key species. Each species in our list of locally, extinct or extinct in regions of Northern England and regionally and nationally extinct species was assessed by: were all considered to present no or only a negligible risk to human health. The final selection of species • the geographical range of extinction - a species that was only extinct from this shortlist was then completed on the basis of at a very local level was given a lower score than those extinct at a their potential to deliver social, environmental and wider scale; and economic benefits to communities in the North of England. • the potential risk to human health or life - the successful A wide range of benefits were considered including reintroduction of species such as wolves would be unlikely to be ecosystem services, recreation value and tourism feasible, at least in the short term, due to the perception that there potential. Each species was assigned a score on a could be a risk to humans using Northern England for recreation. Such three-point scale, and the lowest scoring species were species were therefore given a lower score. excluded. This resulted in a final list of 10 species.

Lifescape Report 2020

SPECIES PROFILES

AN OVERVIEW FOR The following sections describe the species REINTRODUCTION DISCUSSIONS that we selected through our shortlisting In the following profiles, we set out a brief process: description of the species and its natural history, its UK conservation status, indicative 1. Beaver assessments of what each species could 2. Chough contribute ecologically, socially and 3. Common crane economically, and a summary of what the 4. Elk benefits and costs for local communities might 5. Golden eagle be. The sections summarising the social 6. Lynx impacts of each species do not look at the considerable inherent value of being able to 7. Pine marten share a landscape with these species. 8. Wildcat 9. White-tailed eagle

10. Silver-studded blue

Lifescape Report 2020

▪ UK conservation status: Now a native species in Scotland ▪ International conservation status: Least concern ▪ Missing from Northern England since: 1500s (the last reference to beavers in England is from 1526) ▪ Scientific name: Castor fiber

BEAVER

THE EURASIAN BEAVER IS THE The charismatic beaver was hunted However, the wetlands that LARGEST NATIVE RODENT IN to extinction in the UK for its fur and beavers create can sometimes EURASIA. castoreum (beaver secretions which flood farmland and riverside are used in medicines). Beavers are woodland can also be restructured now gradually being brought back to through the actions of the beaver. the UK through reintroductions in both England and Scotland. Beavers can bring many benefits to the local environment, including improving water quality and reducing flood risk downstream by creating large wetlands that are rich in biodiversity.

Lifescape Report 2020

BENEFITS AND COSTS

BENEFITS COSTS

ECOLOGICAL Beavers modify their ecosystems, In modifying landscapes and creating wetlands, delivering substantial increases in the there is inevitably restructuring of former habitat diversity of flora and fauna. Improvements types - typically riparian woodland. The to water quality may improve the ecological abundance of this habitat (affected mostly by status of water courses further wider land use factors) might need to be downstream. assessed locally before advocating reintroduction.

SOCIAL Beavers offer great potential for community Whilst beavers are thought to reduce flood risk in involvement and education because of their general, there is evidence that they can also significant capacity to alter landscapes and cause damage to low-lying transport infrastructure their distinctive appearance and behaviour. and can result in the loss of farmland. It might be Volunteering and school visits have been necessary to compensate affected farmers, put in highly beneficial in existing reintroduction place a local exit strategy (in case it is needed) or sites. provide other safeguards on impacts.

ECONOMIC There is a high potential for economic Other reintroductions have identified significant benefits through reintroducing beavers. costs in terms of practical reintroduction efforts, These will most likely be linked to tourism and costs through damage to infrastructure, and the potential for reducing flood damage flooding of low-lying farmland and reduced because beaver dams act as natural flood forestry yields. Costs would be highly dependent risk mitigation measures. There is also on the accessibility and ownership of the selected evidence of beaver-altered habitats reintroduction site, but are expected to be lower improving water quality, which would (due to land use and the terrain) in Cumbria than provide secondary benefits for water in other reintroduction areas. companies and potentially for recreational fisheries.

Lifescape Report 2020

• UK conservation status: Locally extinct

• International conservation status: Least concern • Missing from Northern England since: Around 1900, although it survived in Cornwall until 1952 and subsequently recolonised in 2001. Populations in the Isle of Man and South Wales remained strong during this time and have recently increased. There is no evidence available to determine exactly when it became extinct in the North of England • Latin name: Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax

CHOUGH

THE CHOUGH, A MEMBER OF THE The chough became extinct across The chough’s appetite for insects CROW FAMILY, HAS BLACK most of the country by around 1900, might help to keep invertebrate although it survived in Cornwall until populations in check, providing PLUMAGE, A LONG RED BILL AND 1952 and subsequently recolonised local farmers with additional pest RED LEGS in 2001. control support. Populations in the Isle of Man and Evidence from elsewhere in the South Wales remained strong during country also shows that the this time and have recently presence of choughs can generate increased. The chough’s favoured economic benefits through bird habitat is pastoral-based agriculture watching eco-tourism. lying near maritime cliffs, and it has The establishment or maintenance a mostly invertebrate diet, of suitable habitat near chough supplemented in the autumn with nesting sites may, however, require cereal grain. changes in how we manage land.

Lifescape Report 2020

BENEFITS AND COSTS

BENEFITS COSTS

ECOLOGICAL It is possible that nesting or young choughs are preyed No significant costs were identified in the literature. Any on by little owls and carrion crows. The reintroduction of grazing or other management interventions needed to the chough may therefore have benefits for populations make a reintroduction feasible should be considered in of these species by providing additional prey. As a light of their wider ecological impacts. species which is dependent on healthy ecosystems with high invertebrate populations, work associated with a reintroduction would likely bring wide-ranging ecological benefits. If reintroduced, the chough could become a useful indicator of countryside ecosystem health.

SOCIAL Potential social benefits were identified that are The establishment and maintenance of suitable habitat associated with the inspirational and cultural aspects of near chough nesting sites may require changes in land bringing back a bird that is sometimes seen as management, which landowners may be reluctant to emblematic of the West Coast of England, mining agree to. However, such changes would be optional and landscapes and the UK's coastal heritage. measures to promote chough populations - e.g. the seasonal use of traditional breeds of livestock, networks of suitably grazed enclosed fields - could be negotiated through agri-environment agreements.

ECONOMIC Chough populations can help to keep invertebrate The establishment and maintenance of suitable habitat populations in check, thereby supporting agricultural near chough nesting sites may require changes in land production by helping to control any pest species. management, which is likely to incur an associated cost. A study in Cornwall undertaken a few years after the Choughs have, in the past, been trapped and shot return of chough indicated that people travelled from all mistakenly as an agricultural pest. over the UK to see the Cornish choughs, bringing an estimated £180,000 into the local economy. Similar effects are likely to be possible in Northern England.

Lifescape Report 2020

▪ UK conservation status: Regionally extinct

▪ International conservation status: Least concern ▪ Missing from Northern England since: There is no evidence which points to the period in time in which cranes became extinct in Cumbria – however they are known to have been extinct in the UK from the 1600s until the 1900s when they began to breed again in the Norfolk Broads ▪ Scientific name: Grus grus

COMMON

Cranes were once widespread The crane is an omnivore, feeding CRANE throughout the UK but became on a variety of stems, leaves, fruits extinct through the loss of wetland and seeds as well as insects, THE COMMON CRANE IS AN habitat to farming, industry, and snails, worms, and crabs. ELEGANT BIRD WITH LONG hunting around the 1600s. There is a LEGS, A LONG NECK, The reintroduction of cranes may small, but slowly expanding breeding have positive benefits for eco- DROOPING, CURVED TAIL population centered on Norfolk, a tourism in the area on a seasonal FEATHERS, AND A FIERY RED reintroduced population in Somerset basis. As cranes may use farmland TUFT ON ITS HEAD. and small numbers pass through as feeding grounds, particularly Britain in spring and autumn. when spilled grain is available, The favoured habitat for cranes in there is a very minor potential for

Europe is predominately wetlands, adverse effects on arable crops. however they also use farmlands as feeding grounds.

Lifescape Report 2020

BENEFITS AND COSTS

BENEFITS COSTS

ECOLOGICAL Aside from the inherent benefits of restoring Invertebrates, amphibians, rodents and small part of an ecological community, no specific birds are potential prey for the common crane but benefits were identified in the literature. population-level effects are considered unlikely.

SOCIAL The reintroduction of the common crane in No significant costs identified. Northern England may raise the profile of certain wildlife sites if they are frequented by the reintroduced individuals and there may be benefits for local education.

ECONOMIC The reintroduction of the distinctive common Common cranes may use farmland as feeding crane, with energetic courtship dances, in grounds. As such, there may be the potential for Northern England may raise the profile of minor impacts on arable farm crops. certain wildlife sites if they are frequented by the reintroduced individuals and there may be

positive impacts on local wildlife tourism.

Lifescape Report 2020

▪ UK conservation status: Nationally extinct

▪ International conservation status: Least concern ▪ Missing from Northern England since: between 2000BC and 1000BC ▪ Scientific name: Alces alces

ELK

IF REINTRODUCED, THE ELK The elk has been absent from Elk are a beautiful and charismatic WOULD BECOME THE LARGEST England since the Bronze Age, species, in part due to their epic WILD ANIMAL ROAMING although it is possible that they stature and the male's huge antlers survived in Scotland up to 900AD. (spanning up to 2 metres). The ENGLAND’S WOODLANDS AND Male elk can reach nearly half a potential for elk to affect agriculture WETLANDS tonne in weight, but are generally and forestry, which are already timid and slow-moving animals faced with pressures from other outside the breeding season. A native deer species, would need to

reintroduced population would likely be considered, particularly if any spend its time moving between assessment showed that their habitats such as woodland, lakes range could expand beyond a and wetlands. reintroduction site.

Lifescape Report 2020

BENEFITS AND COSTS

BENEFITS COSTS

ECOLOGICAL Aside from the inherent benefits of restoring There is potential for overbrowsing impacts in part of an ecological community, it is possible woodland where elk would be reintroduced due to that elk, as large mammals, would act as the lack of natural predators. Studies have shown ecosystem engineers – breaking the ground elk can prevent saplings from developing into and creating altered or niche habitats for other canopy trees and can change the distribution of species. certain tree species. However, the elks’ solitary nature might mean that these impacts would be The elk’s tendency to create mazes of less than those caused by other deer species. trampled paths through riverside habitats may contribute to the restoration of these habitats and the services of nutrient and water flow management that these habitats can provide.

SOCIAL The reintroduction of the elk in Northern It is likely that elk could pose a threat to human England may raise the profile of certain wildlife health due to road traffic accidents in the same sites if they are frequented by the reintroduced way that deer already do throughout much of the individuals and there may be positive impacts UK. on local education.

ECONOMIC No specific benefits were identified in literature Elk might become a pest for arable crops and but we would expect such a large and forestry. There may therefore be an economic charismatic mammal to attract visitors cost associated with this, along with costs providing tourism and increased outdoor associated with managing the population. recreation benefits.

Lifescape Report 2020

▪ UK conservation status: Regionally extinct ▪ International conservation status: Least concern ▪ Missing from Northern England since: The golden eagle was exterminated from England and Wales by 1850, but there was after recolonisation in the 1970s, until recently, a single breeding pair in Cumbria ▪ Scientific name: Aquila chrysaetos

GOLDEN

EAGLE Golden eagles, the UK’s second Whilst most frequently seen gliding largest bird of prey, once patrolled over moorlands in pursuit of rabbits CUMBRIA HAD ITS VERY OWN the skies over the uplands of much or other small animal prey, the RESIDENT GOLDEN EAGLE of Northern England and Wales, but golden eagle forms its nest, known were exterminated by humans for as an ‘eyrie’, on craggy cliffs or in UNTIL 2016, AND A their impact on agriculture and the tall mature trees. REINTRODUCED POPULATION grouse reared on shooting estates. A COULD SHARE THE SKIES WITH reintroduced population in Northern A RECENTLY BOOSTED England could connect with Scottish POPULATION IN SOUTHERN populations, making a smaller SCOTLAND population in England more viable than it would otherwise be.

Lifescape Report 2020

BENEFITS AND COSTS

ECOLOGICAL The North of England is thought to contain No significant negative impacts identified. sufficient habitat to support golden eagles (and has until recently been home to a single pair) but there is little specific evidence of ecological benefits. Predation of small grazing mammals, such as rabbits, could contribute to increasing grassland floral diversity in the uplands and predation by the golden eagle could also help to regulate populations of other species such as young deer and foxes.

SOCIAL The size and charisma of this species, and its Their recent presence in Cumbria makes it unlikely that a recent history in Northern England, is likely to reintroduction or translocation would face strong opposition. generate support and excitement around its The few documented cases of golden eagles taking live lambs return. The magnitude of possible tourism and suggests that a small, but real, cost will be imposed on the economic benefits is unknown, but is indicated farming communities of the uplands. Upland farmers might want by national interest in recently resident pairs. reassurance that populations or impacts could be controlled in the event that there are demonstrable and significant negative impacts on sheep farming.

ECONOMIC The national attention paid to the last pair of The impacts on farming are likely to be small in magnitude, as eagles in Cumbria suggests that wildlife there is little evidence of predation on live sheep. watchers would be encouraged to visit by the There may be costs for the grouse shooting industry though the presence of golden eagles. impact on managed grouse populations is unlikely to be significantly greater than those of other birds of prey, or to make such businesses unviable. It is likely that any costs would be limited by the eagles' specific habitat requirements – areas without cliffs, crags and trees would be less attractive to breeding golden eagles.

Lifescape Report 2020

▪ UK conservation status: Nationally extinct

▪ International conservation status: Least concern

▪ Missing from Northern England's landscape since: AD 700 ▪ Scientific name: Lynx lynx

LYNX

THE EURASIAN LYNX IS A Ranging today from Siberia to North- Where they still exist, lynx have a The issue is not without SELDOM-SEEN MEMBER OF THE western Europe, the Eurasian lynx is strong preference for roe deer as controversy, however, with a seldom-seen member of the forest prey but will take other animals many farmers and rural FOREST COMMUNITY - IT IS community. It is perhaps for this including rabbits, hares and foxes communities worried about the PERHAPS FOR THIS REASON reason that the date for its extinction when they can’t find their favoured impact on livestock and farm THAT THE REPORTED DATES in Britain varies widely by source large deer species. businesses. FOR ITS EXTINCTION IN BRITAIN between around AD 400 and the The lynx is subject to growing VARY WIDELY medieval period (5th to 15th interest for reintroduction in the UK, centuries). partly because of successful

schemes elsewhere and the potential to generate tourism and recreation opportunities.

Lifescape Report 2020

BENEFITS AND COSTS

ECOLOGICAL Reduction in deer populations, particularly No significant ecological costs were identified in the roe deer, could benefit woodland literature. Deer populations are considered large regeneration. There would likely be some enough (typically in excess to 'natural' predator- predation by lynx of mesopredators, such as regulated levels) to cope with lynx reintroduction. foxes and mustelids, which might prove beneficial for prey species such as birds and small mammals.

SOCIAL There is the potential for social benefits There is a demonstrated risk of tension between through increased interest in conservation local farmers and local community members in and nature in both adults and young children, favour of lynx. Work would need to be undertaken to including educational benefits – public anticipate and alleviate this issue in advance of any consultation elsewhere suggests high levels reintroduction. of interest.

ECONOMIC There is huge potential for reintroduced lynx Costs for livestock compensation and preventative to boost the value of tourism in Northern measures (such as guard animals) are unlikely to be England, as has been demonstrated in work high, but local livestock farmers will likely require looking at the tourism effects of lynx present robust assurances and safeguards. elsewhere in Europe. Their impacts on deer A contained trial might require expensively populations might also help forestry engineered fencing and, for a wider reintroduction, operations in Northern England, by reducing fragmented habitat might mean that habitat the browsing of saplings. connectivity projects need to be undertaken.

Lifescape Report 2020

▪ Conservation status: Locally extinct ▪ International conservation status: Least Concern ▪ Missing from Northern England's landscape since: Early 20th century ▪ Scientific name: Martes martes

PINE

MARTEN Generally, pine martens are found Though they recovered a little from within native woodlands but are also a dramatic decline, the species is THE PINE MARTEN IS A CAT- found in conifer plantations and on still rare and populations in SIZED MEMBER OF THE WEASEL rocky hillsides. England and Wales have failed to FAMILY WHICH IS BROWN AND increase naturally. CREAM IN COLOUR WITH A Once widespread across the UK, Reintroduction of the pine marten LONG BODY pine marten populations suffered could bring positive economic impacts through ecotourism and from persecution, habitat loss and fragmentation, reaching their lowest could also help with recovery of red number in the late 19th century. squirrel populations. However, there are possible costs to poultry and game keepers if their stock is predated.

Lifescape Report 2020

BENEFITS AND COSTS

ECOLOGICAL The potential for the pine marten to support Community-level effects could occur with the pine red squirrel recovery is documented and could marten’s predation on smaller mammals and be further investigated. birds, but there is little or no evidence of this from The pine marten acts as a seed disperser relocation projects in Wales. within the woodland ecosystem, helping with regeneration and afforestation. Restoring diversity in native predator communities can contribute to ecosystem resilience.

SOCIAL The pine marten is a charismatic and iconic Pine martens avoid open land but may be species. Helping a species to recover from encountered in buildings or pheasant pens within near extinction would contribute to positive woodlands, potentially increasing the likelihood of community engagement and education in conflict with human activity. conservation and nature. Although there has recently been an overall The public is interested and broadly supportive decrease in persecution, there may be concerns of reintroducing charismatic species such as within the game shooting community. the pine marten.

ECONOMIC Whilst perhaps less than for larger or better There is potential for costs to poultry and game known predators, the pine marten would likely keepers if their stock is predated. generate significant tourism benefits. The nocturnal habits of the pine marten might increase these benefits by encouraging visitors to stay overnight.

Lifescape Report 2020

• Conservation status: Extinct in England and Wales • International conservation status: Least concern • Missing from Northern England's landscape since: The mid to late 1800s • Scientific name: Felis silvestris

Wildcats resemble large domestic Their extinction has been driven Wildcats prey upon small to WILDCAT cats with a broad head, and a brown largely by hybridization with feral or medium-sized animals such coat with black tabby stripes. domestic cats and persecution for as rabbits, rats, and hares, WILDCATS USE FOREST AND Wildcats are solitary animals and are fur and by gamekeepers; but are unlikely to affect the MOORLAND EDGE TO HUNT, most active at dawn and dusk when destruction of their favoured habitat populations of prey species AND REST IN THICKETS, DENS hunting or marking home ranges. of broad-leaved and mixed forests in a significant manner due to They spend daylight hours resting in the low population density of OR FORESTS BY DAY. has also been a contributing factor. thickets, dens or forests. wildcats. Wildcats could be The wildcat is of high cultural affected by several diseases Once found across the British importance in Britain, particularly that can be spread from feral mainland, since the mid to late amongst some clans in Scotland. and domestic cats presenting 1800s they have only survived in the As such, there is potential for a risk that would need to be Scottish Highlands and are now education and wildlife tourism, but considered in any critically endangered. The remaining sightings are likely to be rare. reintroduction. population is estimated to be between 100 and 300.

Lifescape Report 2020

BENEFITS AND COSTS

ECOLOGICAL Wildcats prey upon small to medium-sized They can be hosts to parasitic worms due to their animals, such as rabbits, rats and hares, and carnivorous diet. There might be risks of they could be ecologically important in domestic cats and wildcats exchanging contributing to the regulation of these prey pathogens, particularly lungworm. Wildcat animal populations, as these species currently populations in Scotland are commonly infected lack a natural predator. with domestic cat viruses such as feline leukaemia virus.

SOCIAL The wildcat is of high cultural importance in There may be conflicting views from bird Britain, particularly amongst some clans in conservation groups and those of carnivore Scotland. As such, there is potential for wildlife conservation groups. Concerns might be raised if tourism, but wildcats are very secretive, so they are reintroduced to areas near grouse moors sightings are likely to be rare. There is also or pheasant shoots due to conflict with gamekeepers, although birds are not important in potential for education for schoolchildren and their diets. local communities. The risk to wildcats of hybridization with domestic cats would mean that a reintroduction in a populated area would need to be accompanied by a neutering or feral cat control programme.

ECONOMIC There is potential for wildlife tourism to No significant economic costs were identified in generate income, but wildcats are very literature, but it is possible that the predation of secretive, so sightings are likely to be rare. game birds could incur some cost.

Lifescape Report 2020

▪ Conservation status: Extinct in England and Wales ▪ International conservation status: Least Concern ▪ Missing from Cumbria's landscape since: Early 20th century ▪ Scientific name: Haliaeetus albicilla

WHITE-

These massive birds were once The species thrives in temperate, However, the white-tailed TAILED widespread in the UK, hunting fish, boreal, and tundra zones, with eagle is perceived by the birds, hares, rabbits and also large open expanses of lakes, farming community to pose a scavenging food from other coasts and river valleys. They threat to local livestock, a EAGLE predators. prefer to live in coastal zones with view supported by evidence White-tailed eagle populations first undisturbed cliffs and nest in of occasional lamb predation THE WHITE-TAILED EAGLE began to decline in the 1800s and ledges or in old-growth trees. by some birds. (ALSO KNOWN AS THE ‘SEA- they were officially extinct on the On Mull in Scotland, where the EAGLE’) IS THE LARGEST UK British Isles in 1918. The white-tailed birds have been reintroduced, BIRD OF PREY WITH A eagle was successfully reintroduced tourism is estimated to bring in an WINGSPAN OF AROUND 2.2M. in Scotland and now has a steadily additional £1.4-1.6 million per year. increasing population.

Lifescape Report 2020

BENEFITS AND COSTS

ECOLOGICAL The potential for white-tailed eagles to control As populations increase, there is a potential increased impact populations of mesopredators, such as foxes and of predation on any vulnerable seabird populations, particularly mustelids, might benefit ground-nesting waders, raptors black guillemot at St Bees Head, and over-wintering geese. and other species. Predation of small grazing mammals, Other than this, there are few known negative ecological such as rabbits, could contribute to increasing grassland impacts to reintroducing the white-tailed eagle. floral diversity in the uplands. Predation by the white- tailed eagle could also help to regulate populations of other species such as young deer.

SOCIAL The white-tailed eagle was once a widespread bird and In the case of the Scottish reintroduction programme there its extinction was a major cultural loss to the UK. The were fears among sheep farmers of lamb predation, but public are generally interested and supportive of positive collaboration between Scottish National Heritage and reintroducing the white-tailed eagle. NFU Scotland has helped to mitigate these concerns. Difficulties in reintroducing the eagle in England will likely come from the farming community due to perceived levels of lamb predation.

ECONOMIC On Mull in Scotland, tourism is estimated to bring in an The white-tailed eagle could be considered a threat to local additional £1.4-1.6 million per year, which is equivalent livestock. The Sea Eagle Management Scheme in Scotland to 36-42 full-time jobs. There might be agricultural and has been launched jointly by NFU Scotland and Scottish tourism benefits from the eagles’ predation pressure on Natural Heritage as a collaborative scheme to provide support breeding and moulting goose flocks. Any livestock costs to any affected farmers, and a similar scheme might be might also be balanced by the eagles’ ability to control implemented for a reintroduction in Northern England. the populations of other predators, such as foxes, and The scale of this potential cost is not thought to be high in reduce disease risk by scavenging carrion. economic terms but might still be seen as unacceptable by some farming communities.

Lifescape Report 2020

▪ Conservation status: Locally extinct

▪ International conservation status: Data deficient ▪ Missing from Cumbria's landscape since: 1800s ▪ Scientific name: Plebjus argus

SILVER- STUDDED

The species can be found across One of the factors that makes the silver BLUE Europe and Asia, but has studded blue so interesting is that it experienced a severe population shares its lifecycle with ants, which tend THE SILVER-STUDDED BLUE IS A decline in the UK due to habitat loss to their pupae and caterpillars; looking STRIKING BUTTERFLY FAMOUS and fragmentation. on them as their own nest-mates. This FOR THE MALES' BRIGHT BLUE Generally, it emerges in June and is interesting adaptation might offer potential for engagement with local SILVER SPOTTED WINGS FRAMED often seen, where it occurs, until the schools and interest groups. This WITH BLACK AND WHITE end of August. It is found in heathland habitats that have shorter, species wouldn’t make as large an sparsely vegetated areas and the impact as some others in this list but, species is geographically restricted both positive and negative impacts to close-knit colonies in Southern across key social, economic, and England and Wales. ecological indicators are possible.

Lifescape Report 2020

BENEFITS AND COSTS

ECOLOGICAL Aside from the inherent benefits of restoring part None identified. The significant areas of heathland and of an ecological community, no specific benefits mixed vegetation in Northern England should make the were identified in the literature. costs of any necessary habitat preparation minimal. Any grazing or other management interventions needed to make a reintroduction feasible should be considered in light of their wider ecological impacts

SOCIAL The interesting life history of the silver-studded None identified, though the fact that the reintroduced blue might offer potential for engagement with species would not be a subspecies that was previously local schools and interest groups. There is present (as this subspecies is believed to be extinct) potential for volunteering opportunities to be may somewhat reduce the cultural value of the created through their habitat management reintroduction. requirements.

ECONOMIC There may be some increase in tourism or None identified. The costs of introduction are expected visitor rates on account of the reintroduction, but to be low due to the relatively simple logistical this is likely to be very small in magnitude requirements for transferring and releasing without significant promotion and other invertebrates. reintroductions, or education in association with the reintroduction.

Lifescape Report 2020

MOVING FORWARDS

ENGAGING COMMUNITIES FIND OUT MORE USING THE LIFESCAPE PROCESS The Lifescape Project intends to engage Over time, we plan to sharing online our As an organisation, the Lifescape Project with local communities in order to open materials and links to some of the evidence wants to enable as much positive action in up a debate on the reintroduction of species that underpins this report online. Please go the world of conservation and species which are currently locally extinct in to https://lifescapeproject.org/our-work/ reintroduction as it can. We are happy to Northern England. This will include both speciesreintroductions/ to find out more. provide materials and support the creation online and face-to-face discussions. of reports for other groups or areas as required. Please go to https://lifescapeproject.org/ Contact us through: our-work/speciesreintroductions/ to find out ▪ our website, Please get in touch for more information. more about ways to engage in the www.lifescapeproject.org; or discussion. ▪ email at: [email protected]

Take our survey to contribute your views: . https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/72WT98B

Lifescape Report 2020

PROJECT CONTRIBUTORS PEER REVIEWER

Abigail Maton-Howarth Clifford Chance Alex Dittrich University of Cumbria

Adam Eagle Lifescape Project Alison Parfitt The Wildland Research Institute

Andrew Kitchener National Museums Scotland Andrew Kitchener National Museums Scotland Bart Donato Natural England Campbell Howe AECOM Cat Barlow South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project Chris Eves Independent contributor Independent contributor, Author of 'The AECOM David Hetherington Chris White Lynx and Us'

David Harpley Cumbria Wildlife Trust Jenny Macpherson Vincent Wildlife Trust

Deborah Brady Lifescape Project Mark Fisher The Wildland Research Institute

Graham McGrath Lifescape Project Michael Mayhew University of Cumbria

Ian Convery University of Cumbria Roy Armstrong University of Cumbria

Jessica Wood AECOM Shauna Rees AECOM

Max Heaver Independent contributor Steve Carver The Wildland Research Institute Steven Lipscombe Northumberland Wildlife Trust (Kielderhead Wildwood)

Lifescape Report 2020

the

project