Restoring Upland Nature

12/04/2026

We're thrilled that Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds has approved £1m of additional funding to explore a new golden eagle reintroduction programme. This presents a truly exciting, and potentially game-changing moment for the return of golden eagles to Northern England.

Our success to date is testament to the strength of collaborative working between conservationists, raptor study groups, gamekeepers and land managers, and to the incredible support of thousands of people across communities in southern Scotland.

With the backing of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and our partner Forestry England, we now have the opportunity to replicate and build on this approach in Northern England. Our priority will be to listen, to work in partnership, and to ensure that golden eagle recovery supports both nature and the people who manage these landscapes, so that everyone can enjoy the thrill of seeing golden eagles flying high once again across the uplands of the UK.

Spread over three years, the funding from Forestry England will enable RUN to invest in highly trained staff, foster community engagement, and carry out selected translocations.

Today's funding news comes as Forestry England published results of a feasibility study which has found England has the capacity to sustain populations once more. You can read more about this here: https://www.forestryengland.uk/nature-wildlife/golden-eagles

The findings of this study will guide us in our work with partners including Forestry England.

If you would like to find out more about our work visit: https://www.goldeneaglessouthofscotland.co.uk/

📷: Phil Wilkinson

28/02/2026

Congratulations to Roy Dennis on being longlisted for a literary prize.

A CONSERVATIONIST who advised a Borders bird of prey project has been named on the long list for a prestigious literary award.

09/02/2026

Everyone at Restoring Upland Nature is incredibly relieved to confirm that Hamlet the golden eagle is flying high again thanks to the efforts of rescuing gamekeepers, our eagle officer John Wright, the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project’s advisory panel and the incredible care of the Scottish SPCA National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Alloa. Police Scotland, with the support of the UK National Wildlife Crime Unit, are conducting a thorough enquiry in the local area to identify the culprit. We would urge information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 1221 of 3 February 2026.

The four-year-old golden eagle, named Hamlet, released as a sub adult in 2023 as part of our project’s pioneering eagle restoration programme, was found injured by gamekeepers in the Tweedsmuir area on 15th January. They then immediately contacted Restoring Upland Nature (RUN), and the charity’s eagle officer, John Wright, worked with the gamekeepers to rescue Hamlet. The bird’s condition was then assessed by experienced vets on the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project’s advisory panel before being taken to the Scottish SPCA National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Alloa, where he was well cared for and closely monitored by senior veterinary staff.

Responding to today’s news, Chair of Restoring Upland Nature (the new home of the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project), Dumfriesshire farmer Michael Clarke said: “Everyone at Restoring Upland Nature is incredibly relieved that the Scottish SPCA has declared Hamlet fit to fly following his traumatic shooting. His recovery is thanks to their Centre’s outstanding care; as well as the quick reactions of the gamekeepers and our eagle officer, John, who ensured Hamlet was swiftly rescued before he came to further harm.

“We are angry, upset and disappointed that Hamlet was injured at the hands of an individual or individuals who consider themselves above the law. Whoever committed this deplorable wildlife crime should hang their heads in shame. Golden eagles are back to stay in the South of Scotland, and we very much hope they continue to spread from here so that people across the UK can experience the enjoyment of seeing these iconic birds soaring in the skies above them.”

Dr Cat Barlow, RUN’s CEO added: “This incident highlights the vital importance of our work to monitor and protect the record numbers of golden eagles now soaring in southern skies, and the continued support from everyone who cares about our natural environment.

“Our Project’s translocated eagles have captured the hearts and minds of all our supporters, from conservationists and raptor workers to landowners, land managers and the wider community, including children, visitors and business operators. All of them will share in our utter disappointment.

“We thank everyone for their support in restoring the eagle population in south Scotland."

For more information about Restoring Upland Nature or how to support our work visit: https://www.goldeneaglessouthofscotland.co.uk/

Scottish Land & Estates
RSPB Scotland

19/01/2026

Don’t Be Shy. 🐿️
Native red squirrels play a vital role in our ecosystems, but they are currently at risk of extinction. That’s why, as part of the Red Squirrel Recovery Network, we’re inviting you to turn this red and help ensure these beautiful, shy woodland wonders have a future in the UK.

We’re part of the Red Squirrel Recovery Network working with partners including Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere, Bright Green Nature, Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, The Wildlife Trusts & UK Squirrel Accord to make a difference for these amazing creatures.

Together we are working to:
🌳 Improve and link up red squirrel habitats
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Create and support a network of volunteers and citizen scientists
👩‍🔬 Investigate and develop a mechanism for large scale grey squirrel fertility control
🔎 Monitor squirrel populations

How you can help:
🐿️ Report your squirrel sightings
💪 Volunteer at one of our conservation projects (more to be announced later this year)
📢 Spread the word about the network's Don’t Be Shy campaign.
📝 Participate in surveys to help us gather crucial data
🌳 Plant native trees

This project is made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with thanks to players of The National Lottery.

08/10/2025

As we celebrate Red Squirrel Awareness Week, we're thrilled to reveal that we are now a Scottish partner of the Red Squirrel Recovery Network, a project covering southern Scotland and northern England with support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. It is fantastic to be part of such an inspiring initiative, bringing fresh energy and a sense of shared purpose to safeguarding the future of red squirrels in the south of Scotland, alongside Bright Green Nature and the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere Partnership.

This highlights our renewed ambition to extend our reach to support the restoration of our uplands. We look forward to sharing our learnings and working more closely with landowners, red squirrel groups and our local communities, so that this initiative can experience the same success as we have had with the pioneering South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project. In the meantime, we would like to encourage everyone to participate in Red Squirrel Awareness Week by:
- reporting squirrel sightings via scottishsquirrels.org.uk/squirrel-sightings or rsne.org/report-sightings; and
- engaging on social media using the hashtag.

We look forward to supporting the herculean efforts of all involved in the Network - from landowners to red squirrel rescue groups. Our involvement comes at a particularly exciting time, as the The University of Edinburgh Roslin Institute has revealed key developments in the production of contraceptives for wild grey squirrels. This could potentially be transformative for the future of red squirrels.

For more information on how to get involved with Red Squirrel Recovery Network volunteering opportunities in the south of Scotland, email Michael Clarke at: [email protected]

English partners of the Red Squirrel Recovery Network include Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Lancashire Wildlife Trust and Knowsley Safari

11/09/2025

Following a few queries, we would like to clarify the venue for the Friday evening talks with Prof. Ian Newton and Tom Bowser.

Proudfoot Institute, Mansfield Place, Moffat DG10 9DS

See you there!!

19/08/2025

As you may have seen or heard on various media reports today, we're excited to introduce Princeling - the first eaglet ever to fledge (fly) from the nest of one of the eagles translocated by our pioneering project. 🦅

Describing the landmark moment as a “wonderful achievement”, Sir David Attenborough christened the fledgling Princeling, which means young prince. 👑 The name symbolises new hope for the restoration of a previously low population of golden eagles in southern Scotland. It is a great honour that Sir David took the time to name him and acknowledge our work.

Princeling's arrival brings renewed hope to our ambition to reverse biodiversity decline and ensure current and future generations across the UK, including Scotland, England and Wales, can experience that incredible sense of awe on seeing golden eagles soar. The number of golden eagles soaring in Scotland’s southern skies has now reached a new a record high – over 50 – the most seen in the region for three centuries.

It is important to highlight that this success is testament to the support we have received from of community, partners, funders, raptor workers, gamekeepers, estate managers and more. We know they will all share in our excitement at today’s news and look forward to continuing to work with them, and many new partners, as we build on our success, and extend our reach into northern England.

More here: https://www.goldeneaglessouthofscotland.co.uk/blog/great-news-from-the-south-of-scotland-meet-princeling?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwMRQsBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHgAsFAn0r87nJ0cXcgTTA9-1gyaqRFcUJER_-eLzuSvYNJ49nLLqguta1xZY_aem_gj8WS7PZzapUweuMViCpEA

NatureScot, Scottish Land & Estates, RSPB Scotland, The Southern Uplands Partnership, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, The National Lottery Heritage Fund Scotland, GWCT Scotland, Scottish Forestry, The Scottish Raptor Study Group, The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies

📷: Ian Georgeson Photography

19/08/2025

Visit the blog today for the exciting news of the first fledged Golden Eagle from a translocated pair, named 'Princeling' by Sir David Attenborough!!

The South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project aims to help reinforce the isolated and vulnerable population of one of Scotland’s most iconic species, The Golden Eagle, in the South of Scotland. Explore our website for the latest news and information throughout this exciting and innovative project.

17/08/2025

18/07/2025

Moffat 2025 - Final Speaker Announced!

It is with great pleasure that we welcome author, wildlife guide and public speaker TOM BOWSER to the festival programme. Tom will be speaking on Friday 12th September alongside Prof. Ian Newton. Visit the website for tickets.

https://www.goldeneaglessouthofscotland.co.uk/blog/moffat-2025-final-speaker-announced