THE death of a white-tailed eagle after it ingested high levels of rat poison has been described as "devastating" - but won't stop conservationists completing its reintroduction programme.

The eagle, named as G461, was found dead on a private estate in north Dorset in January after being released as part of a reintroduction project by Forestry England.

Dorset Police found high levels of the poison brodifacoum but dropped the investigation, a decision which left the RSPB "completely baffled".

Birds of Poole Harbour said the death was not only devastating for the conservationists involved, but also for school children and the members of the public who saw G461 make his way around the harbour in late 2021.

Paul Morton, of Birds of Poole Harbour, said: "It's a really fascinating time for nature conservation.

"There will always be challenges and the death of the male sea eagle won't be forgotten, but it's through close, collaborative partnership working, including with Dorset Police, that we can all make things better.

"For example, in 2016 we discovered there was a mass-illegal collection of gull eggs from Poole Harbour's Black-headed and Mediterranean Gull colony.

"As soon as we found out we contacted Dorset Police who played a pivotal role in getting the issue stopped with regular harbour patrols and liaising with us.

"It was so successful that the story made the national news and even featured on BBC's Countryfile.

"Dorset Police have also been hugely supportive in regard to any immediate or future nesting attempts of our Ospreys making sure any nests get the best protection they can.

"It's these types of partnerships and positive approaches to tackling these issues which will ultimately see success."

Birds of Poole Harbour said it was committed to making sure the pupils' exciting experience last year didn't end on a negative and wanted children to understand efforts were being made to look after the remaining eagles currently exploring the UK.

Tim Mackrill, from the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation who were also involved in the programme, said: "When we heard last year that the school children had seen the sea eagle from their boat trip it was really exciting because we know that experiences like that can ignite a real passion for natural history and conservation.

"The fact that other White-tailed Eagles are now visiting the harbour on a regular basis is an extremely encouraging sign for the future and shows what a superb place Poole Harbour is for these amazing birds.

"I hope that many more people, of all ages, will be able to enjoy the thrill of seeing them here and in other locations along the south coast for many years to come."