Candidates for mayor on lynx reduction plans
THE candidates for the North East mayoral election have expressed differing views on plans to potentially introduce lynx into Northumberland.
The Missing Lynx Project – a new partnership between Northumberland Wildlife Trust (NWT), The Lifescape Project and the Wildlife Trusts – was launched to explore the possibility of reintroducing the predator to the county, as well as parts of Cumbria and southern Scotland. However, the plans were met with opposition by councillors in Northumberland who were concerned about the impact the project could have on the farming community.
It is the second time such proposals have been mooted. An earlier bid by the Lynx UK Trust was rejected by the Government in 2018.
Liberal Democrat candidate Aidan King felt the project was an “exciting opportunity” for the region.
He said: “Northumberland has some of the most beautiful and diverse countryside in England. I’m keen to support any efforts made to improve the biodiversity and nature in both our county and our region as a whole.
“This project sounds like an exciting opportunity for our region to lead the way on the reintroduction of lynx, but we must ensure this is done in the right way. We want to ensure residents are well informed and consulted instead of being overridden.
“I look forward to hearing more about these exciting plans and seeing greater public engagement and consultation with residents in Northumberland on this soon.”
Coun Guy Renner-Thompson, the Conservative candidate for the mayoral role, comes from a farming background in north Northumberland. He said he was strongly opposed to any reintroduction. He said: “I 100% oppose the reintroduction of lynx to Kielder Forest and if I’m elected mayor I will do everything in my power to stop it. Kielder and the North Tyne Valley are living, working communities, not lives to be experimented on. Lynx are a danger to sheep and other livestock.
“The same reasons for refusal given six years ago stand today. I will always stand up for our traditional working communities like I did in successfully opposing the Lindisfarne Highly Protected Marine Area which would have banned fishing and devastated lives on the Northumbrian coast”
Guy Renner-Thompson is Vice-Chair of Northumberland Inshore Fisheries Conservation Authority which led opposition to the Lindisfarne HPMA. Controversial plans for the fishing ban at Northumberland’s Holy Island were dropped in 2023.
Green Party candidate Andrew Gray did feel the animals could potentially thrive in Kielder Forest. However, he said the support of local communities would be key.
Mr Gray said: “I support the reintroduction of Lynx where the conditions are right and with sufficient community support. Lynx were once part of our woodlands, and could thrive sustainably within Kielder forest.
“They should not be reintroduced unless and until local communities support the project. I would urge everyone to visit the Missing Lynx Project exhibition while it is in Northumberland,”
The Missing Lynx Project is hosting a touring exhibition in Northumberland as well as parts of Cumbria and southern Scotland where people will be able to give their opinion. The exhibition began in Kielder on April 11 and will run at different local venues throughout the spring and summer.
All North East mayoral candidates were contacted for comment. Labour’s Kim McGuinness declined to provide comment, while Independent candidate Jamie Driscoll and Reform UK’s Paul Donaghy did not respond.