Unleashing lynx into the wild creeps closer
Landowners approve plans for six Eurasian cats to be set free in Northumberland forest
WILD lynx could return to Britain for the first time in 1,300 years after landowners agreed to let the animals roam free in forests in Northumberland.
The Lynx UK Trust has applied to Natural England for permission to release six Eurasian lynx into Kielder Forest and a decision is expected shortly.
The group said consent for the project was now a “near certainty” after the owners of 20 adjoining plots in the forest agreed the animals could be let loose on 270 square miles of their land.
If the release is successful it could lead to the widespread reintroduction of the cats into the Highlands and other parts of Britain.
Dr Paul Donoghue, chief scientific adviser for the Lynx UK Trust, said: “Literally every landowner we have approached has given permission. It is a massive tick in the box for our application and makes approval a near certainty. Everything is in place to deliver a world-class project that will breathe life into Britain’s dying forest ecosystems.”
Advocates of the programme claim that lynx would bring a wide range of benefits such as culling a growing deer population, which is damaging forests and the habitats of smaller animals.
The lynx are also expected to be a boost to local tourism as sightseers attempt to catch a glimpse of the cats.
Peter Smith, director of the Wildwood Trust, said: “Our ecosystem desperately needs reintroductions like this. Apex predators are critical for controlling species like deer that can overpopulate and cause serious damage to natural habitats.
“We’re very happy to be making a big commitment of time, staff and resources to this project, and thoroughly believe the time is perfect for these shy animals to come back to the UK.”
However, farmers are opposing the plans claiming lynx will kill sheep and lambs. Supporters say the threat to sheep from Eurasian lynx is minimal with only one or two animals a year killed in France and Austria, where the large cats roam wild.
The team has even arranged insurance for every sheep in the UK against lynx attacks, through Lloyd’s of London. It is also planning to establish a visitor centre and will track the released animals by satellite so they can monitor where the animals go and check if they have killed any wildlife.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said ministers will decide whether to grant a licence after discussions with Natural England.