Golden eagles could be returning back to English skies after 150 years

The government is pledging £1m to help get golden eagles nesting and living in England again.

The golden eagle is Britain's second-largest bird of prey, but it was wiped out in England and Wales during the 19th century, after being hunted.

Several locations have been identified as the best habitat for the eagles, but Northumberland, in the north of England, is the favourite.

There will first be a period of public consultation with landowners and farmers, but chicks could be brought in as early as next summer.

The return of the eagles to UK skies has not always been seen as a good idea by everyone, though.

Farmers have previously raised concerns about the threat the golden eagles could cause to lambs.

The birds are one of the fastest animals on the planet, reaching speeds of up to 200mph. Their exceptional vision also means they can spot something as small as a rabbit moving three miles away.

Ed Parr Ferris, species recovery manager at Forestry England, the organisation that manages England's public forests, said:

"We do recognize they can take small lambs very occasionally as a part of their diet, but that's rare."

He also said bringing golden eagles back can help to control species like foxes and badgers.

A similar scheme was launched eight years ago in Scotland and has been very successful.

The South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project (SSGEP) was set up when the population of golden eagles in the region dropped to just a handful of birds.

It helped to restore the numbers of golden eagles in the south of Scotland.

Over the last eight years, 28 chicks from the Scottish Highlands and Orkney Isles have been brought down to the Scottish border, and some have been migrating to England.

With the new funding, it's hoped the apex predator will once again soar in English skies.