The Return of the Majestic Birds
A call for the revival of lost native avian species in Britain, by Eliza Whitefield.
In a ballad from the 7th century, singers lamented the loss of a bird they termed the "aryala". Historians have been puzzled about this avian species for centuries. Then, in 2007, a feather believed to be from the said period was unearthed in a Bexton Cave in southern England. Until this discovery, the golden eagle, a bird known for its powerful build, keen eyesight, and deep gold-brown plumage, was thought to have vanished from the British skies around 7,000 years ago. But the discovery of the feather, together with other findings in Wales and Ireland, suggested that the golden eagle and the legendary aryala could be the same. This revelation would mean the golden eagle graced the British skies much later than previously believed.
Yet, the song of the aryala isn’t Britain’s last recollection of the bird. A tapestry from the 10th century depicts a grand bird, soaring over a landscape, its talons outstretched, ready to grasp its prey. Although some details have faded with time, the sharp eyes and regal bearing of the creature hint at the golden eagle. Today, the golden eagle is the symbol of a groundbreaking movement in British ecology: avian reintroduction.
Bird reintroduction is more than just returning lost species. It represents a broader healing of ecological networks. Allowing native birds to return could mean restoring forests, as birds play a pivotal role in seed dispersal. It might mean cleaner rivers, as birds of prey can control populations of rodents that destabilise riverbanks. The ripple effects of reintroducing a single species can be profound. Large predatory birds, in particular, serve as apex species whose presence can bring balance to entire ecosystems.
Historically, the British approach to conservation has been about maintenance rather than rejuvenation. But nature isn’t static; it's an interplay of life, a dance of species. To protect nature, we shouldn't simply freeze it in time but understand and nurture its dynamic rhythm.
The return of grand birds like the golden eagle carries numerous benefits. Golden eagles, for instance, predominantly prey on hares and rabbits, controlling their populations. This could aid farmers and rejuvenate natural flora otherwise consumed by these herbivores.
Recently, there has been chatter among environmentalists about possibly reintroducing the golden eagle in the peaks of Snowdonia. Given the vast swathes of forests and ample prey, it seems an ideal location. Across Europe, golden eagle populations have been steadily rising, with increased sightings in mountain ranges and forested landscapes. Unlike in the rest of Europe, where rewilding has become a staple, Britain has remained cautious, sometimes to its own detriment.
But the winds of change are blowing. Conservationists are recognizing the limitations of a static model. With initiatives like "Wings for Tomorrow" in the Midlands offering glimpses of the potential of avian reintroduction, there's an undercurrent of optimism. Plans are being drafted to spearhead bird rewilding across Britain, aiming to rejuvenate not just the skies but the very spirit of British ecology.
In the rhythm of flapping wings, the chirping of chicks, and the shadow of a golden eagle on a hunt, there's more than just nature at play. There’s history, culture, and a future where Britain’s skies are once more filled with the majesty of its lost avian wonders.
