The UK government approved an extra £1 million to fund a Forestry England study into reintroducing golden eagles to England, and ministers say live releases could begin as soon as next year. The feasibility work has identified eight upland areas capable of sustaining breeding populations, with Northumberland and Cumbria among the shortlisted locations for initial releases. Golden eagles were extirpated in England during the Victorian era and conservationists say the last recorded English bird died in 2016, which underpins the recovery drive. The £1 million will fund site assessments, disease and welfare checks, and engagement with landowners before any birds are moved.