In Berlin, goshawks are a common sight, gliding over parks, chasing crows, and even nesting near monuments. Conservationist Dr Paul O’Donoghue now hopes to replicate that success in Britain by introducing the raptors into cities such as Chester and London.
The northern goshawk, once hunted to near extinction in the UK, has recovered in rural areas but continues to face persecution on shooting estates. Meanwhile, across Europe, the species has adapted well to urban life, thriving in cities like Berlin, Amsterdam, and Prague, where it hunts pigeons and other birds.
O’Donoghue’s organisation, Rewilding UK, plans to submit a proposal to Natural England to release 15 goshawks in each city. Chicks would be sourced from European nests and UK breeders, with the aim of curbing populations of crows, magpies, and jackdaws that threaten smaller garden birds.
The project faces questions about feasibility. Some ecologists suggest the birds may disperse to the countryside rather than remain in urban areas, while others warn rural-born chicks could struggle to adapt. In Berlin, goshawks are also resented by pigeon and chicken breeders whose birds fall prey.
Despite these concerns, O’Donoghue argues that introducing apex predators into city parks could revitalise urban ecosystems while also thrilling residents. “It’ll inject such excitement,” he said. “People go to the park to feed pigeons. Soon they’ll be going to see goshawks.”
