The lynx effect

ANIMALS ONCE COMMONPLACE BUT NOW MISSING FROM OUR COUNTRYSIDE ARE SLOWLY AND SUCCESSFULLY RETURNING TO THE UK’S LANDSCAPE

Pine martens, mountain hares, and golden eagles – some of the animals that once roamed the British countryside, yet in recent times they’ve been missing. But that’s changing, as communities, landowners, and wildlife enthusiasts gather for the UK’s first Reintroduction and Rewilding Summit this month, looking at how animals can restore our ecosystems.

“Science shows that apex predators play a vital ecological role in maintaining healthy living systems,” explains Peter Cairns, part of the Lynx to Scotland campaign. This year, residents of the Cairngorms and Argyll are being asked for their views on whether the lynx, which has been missing from Britain for over 500 years, should be reintroduced to the countryside there. It’s hoped that if allowed, lynx will naturally reduce the roe deer population, which are ravaging natural woodlands.

But it’s not just ancient predators – a small herd of wild bison will be reintroduced to land in Kent next year, while pine martens have already successfully settled in the Forest of Dean and, in Norfolk, the common crane, which had been reduced to one breeding pair in the 1970s is now staging a comeback. A ban on killing or injuring the rare native mountain hare will also benefit recently reintroduced golden eagles in the Scottish Borders, and there’s even talk of putting grey squirrels on the Pill so that red squirrels can flourish again.

If the Lynx to Scotland project succeeds you’d be unlikely to catch sight of this shy animal, but there’s no doubt that other reintroductions are reshaping our countryside – so keep an eye out on your Sunday ramble.