From Margaret Rylands, Newport:

The suggestion eagles might be re-introduced to the Isle of Wight (CP, 02-11-18) is mystifying and surely cannot have been fully thought through. True, they are magnificent creatures and have recolonised very successfully in Scotland but we have specific points to consider here.

As we all know, the Isle of Wight is a very important stronghold for the critically endangered red squirrel, which has thrived here for many years because of the absence of greys. Unfortunately, their number has substantially reduced since buzzards became more numerous and another supreme bird of prey could speed this decline.

This is even more likely given the size of the Island and the vast areas naturally covered when hunting.