Berlin’s thriving goshawk population could become the blueprint for a bold new rewilding project in Britain. Conservationist Dr Paul O’Donoghue, director of Rewilding UK, plans to release 15 goshawks each into London and Chester, aiming to restore ecological balance in urban areas.
Once hunted to near-extinction in the UK, goshawks have made remarkable comebacks in European cities such as Berlin, Amsterdam, and Prague, adapting to human presence and hunting pigeons among busy streets and parks.
O’Donoghue believes their presence in Britain’s cities could help regulate booming populations of mesopredators such as crows and magpies, which threaten smaller songbirds. “It’s basically a flying Batman bringing law and order to the city,” he said.
The proposal, to be submitted to Natural England in the coming weeks, would source chicks from wild European nests and UK breeders. Each bird would be fitted with a GPS transmitter and supported with food after release. The estimated project cost is £110,000.
Supporters argue the scheme could mirror the ecological “fear effect” seen with wolves, where top predators indirectly protect smaller species. But experts urge caution. Researchers warn rural-bred chicks may struggle to adapt to city life, while ecologists suggest small release numbers may limit impact.
Berlin’s example shows both potential and challenges: the German capital now hosts around 100 breeding pairs – the world’s highest concentration – but has faced conflicts with pigeon and chicken breeders.
Despite past setbacks, including a rejected attempt to reintroduce lynx, O’Donoghue remains optimistic. “It proves this can be done quickly – without much fuss, but with so much excitement,” he said. “Soon people won’t just feed pigeons in parks – they’ll come to see goshawks.”
