Project hopes to reintroduce lynx to countryside
Once native predator became extinct in middle ages
REINTRODUCING lynx to Northumberland would help boost biodiversity in the UK, according to one of the key ecologists behind the project.
The Missing Lynx Project is currently holding roadshow events across the North East to gather views from the public on the potential reintroduction of the Eurasian lynx to parts of the county as well as neighbouring Cumbria and Southern Scotland.
The project is a new partnership between Northumberland Wildlife Trust (NWT), The Lifescape Project and the Wildlife Trusts exploring the possibility of reintroducing the predator. It argues that earth’s wildlife populations have plunged by 69% since 1970, while the UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries on the planet.
Lynx were once native to the UK but went extinct in the early middle ages.
Ecologist Dr Deborah Brady is the project manager of the Missing Lynx Project. She said: “The point of the exhibitions is to travel around the area close to where people live and welcome them in and to allow them to find out more about lynx as an animal, what the history is, and what is happening with reintroduction projects in Europe.
“We want to address people’s questions about lynx – lots of people aren’t aware that the lynx was a native species from the last ice age for thousands of years.
“We have lost so much nature. We are in a biodiversity crisis and a nature crisis – in the UK we’re particularly bad.”
Dr Brady also insisted that the proposals would go no further if the project could not persuade the public to back the reintroduction.
She added: “We feel that reintroducing the lynx might be a sensible thing to do ecologically, but it could only ever happen if there was public support.
“The aim of the exhibition is to open up the conversation and find out what people think.
“There’s lots of different ways to get involved – there’s a questionnaire, attendees can be interviewed or they can come to workshops where people can learn more about the project and give their opinions.
“We’re also going to have farming and business focus groups. If the public support isn’t there, it won’t go forward.”
Nature Recovery Manager at Northumberland Wildlife Trust Katy Barke urged the public to attend one of the events, which are being held across the region throughout the spring and summer.
The Missing Lynx Project’s website has a full list of events happening throughout the year. Free tickets can also be booked via the website.