Project looks at returning long lost wildcat to the Westcountry

AFTER an absence of more than 100 years, wildcats could return to the Westcountry under reintroduction proposals being put out to public consultation.

Wildcats were once found throughout the UK, but were hunted to extinction in England and Wales by the 18th century and are teetering on the brink in their remaining Scottish strongholds.

Devon Wildlife Trust is leading a study exploring the viability of bringing back wildcats (Felis sylvestris) to the South West, with members of the public invited to share their views.

Work by the Vincent Wildlife Trust and Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust identified the county among areas with the potential to support wildcats.

At this stage, no wildcat releases are planned, and the 18-month feasibility study will report its findings by the end of this year. The project, which includes Devon Wildlife Trust, Forestry England and the Derek Gow Consultancy, will consider whether to develop a project proposal in response to the findings.

The University of Exeter is undertaking the public opinion survey.

Cath Jeffs, Devon Wildlife Trust’s South West Wildcat Project lead, said: “Returning the native wildcat to the South West is an exciting prospect but will only be possible with the support of local communities. We are hoping that lots of people will take part in the survey to help us understand both whether there would be support for bringing wildcats back, and any concerns and potential impacts that would need to be considered.”

To find out more and take part in the survey: www.devonwildlifetrust. org/south-west-wildcat-project.

Jonathan Gale > A wildcat (Felis silvestris) in the Highlands of Scotland