Less than a decade ago, the white-tailed sea eagle could have become a common sight in East Anglia's skies if conservationists had had their way.

Eastern Daily Press: A white-tailed eagle was photographed at the Buckenham Marshes this week Picture: JAMES LOWENA white-tailed eagle was photographed at the Buckenham Marshes this week Picture: JAMES LOWEN (Image: James Lowen)

Nature lovers wanted to introduce 75 of the birds of prey to selected sites which they claimed they were once native to, in order to establish a breeding population.

But Natural England's plans were greeted by an outcry from farmers, who feared the birds would help themselves to free range lambs, piglets and poultry.

MORE - Plans to introduce sea eagles scrapped

In June 2010, the government's conservation advisor said that it was withdrawing as lead partner for the project after a heated debate.

Its chief scientist said at the time: 'We have taken the decision to withdraw from the project at this stage because we believe it would be inappropriate to commit public funds to an extensive public consultation over a project that we would, in the foreseeable future, be unable to fund.'