Goshawks, once hunted to near extinction in Britain, could soon return to urban skies if a bold conservation project gets the green light.
Dr Paul O’Donoghue of Rewilding UK is preparing a proposal to Natural England to release 15 goshawks each into London and Chester, drawing inspiration from Berlin, where the apex predators thrive in city parks and nest close to busy streets.
The plan aims to curb booming populations of crows, magpies, and jackdaws that prey on smaller songbirds, restoring balance through what O’Donoghue calls an “ecology of fear”. He argues that the birds could have an immediate effect on mesopredators, benefitting Britain’s garden bird species.
In Berlin, goshawks have adapted to life alongside people, hunting pigeons and perching on rooftops, though they have sometimes clashed with pigeon and chicken breeders. Germany’s capital now hosts an estimated 100 breeding pairs, the highest density worldwide.
Skeptics warn of challenges. Researchers stress that chicks raised in rural settings may struggle in cities, and ecologists doubt that such small numbers will significantly impact bird populations, predicting many may disperse into the countryside.
Despite the risks, O’Donoghue remains optimistic, pointing to his experience with other rewilding projects, including the great bustard. The £110,000 scheme would see all released goshawks fitted with GPS trackers and supported with food supplies until they settle.
For O’Donoghue, the reward extends beyond ecology. Spotting a predator as elusive as a goshawk in a city park, he says, could inspire and excite urban communities: “People go to the park to feed pigeons. Soon they’ll be going to see goshawks.”
