The Eurasian lynx is currently extinct in Britain, and while the date of their extinction is not absolutely certain it has been argued that they became extinct in this country about 800 years ago, due to the chopping down of their natural woodland habitat and hunting, That they were here has been proved by archaeological finds, but as has been noted, “over the past 1,000 years, the UK has been transformed as people have cleared its forests, drained its bogs and concreted over its meadows. As a result, a wide variety of mammals, birds, plants, insects and many other species have become extinct”. One of those species is the lynx.
However, unlike some other species, the lynx did survive in other parts of Europe, so it will be possible to re-introduce it into the UK. And the only area of England where the lynx could thrive is our very own Northumberland. What’s more, there is general support for the move from the general public in the area.
Indeed it has been reported that, “a year-long social consultation by the Missing Lynx Project found that Northumberland is the only area in England and Wales that has enough woodland to support them and 72% of people in the region support their reintroduction.”
Where does the lynx like to be?
The lynx is said to be an ambush hunter that likes to live in rugged rocky areas and forests, making parts of Northumberland an ideal home for the species. The lynx will also find an abundance of roe deer in Northumberland which will suit them very well. Another factor in the lynx coming to Northumberland is that they need a lot of space and will be able to find that in the remoter parts of the county.
Enthusiasm for the reintroduction of lynx
72% of the public in the Northumberland area supportive of the reintroduction of the lynx, and so is the government’s wildlife regulator. It was reported in June that “the head of the government’s wildlife regulator has said he remains enthusiastic about reintroducing lynx to Britain and would be “absolutely delighted” if it could be achieved during his two-year term”.
The Lynx UK Trust is said to have submitted a draft application for a trial return of lynx to Kielder Forest, in Northumberland, using wild animals rescued from culls in Sweden.
Not everyone is supportive
However, Tony Juniper, the chair of Natural England, said debates over the animal’s release were “still quite polarised” and more engagement was required to understand how communities would be affected.
This point seemed to be backed up on 15 August with Conservative cabinet member at Northumberland County Council, Mark Mather, who farms near Wooler and sits as the deputy chairman of Northumberland National Park, being concerned about the impact on farmers’ mental health after a challenging year.
Coun Mather commented: “We have a government that is impacting the rural way of life – I think throwing this in as well is quite unfair. People are thinking about whether they’re going to be able to farm. Speaking to neighbours and friends in the industry, there’s a lot of people at breaking point.”
Another councillor, John Riddle, Conservative cabinet member for rural affairs at Northumberland County Council and who is also a farmer in the in the Bellingham area where lynx will be released similarly commented: “I’m quite worried about farmers’ mental health at the moment. A lot of people are quite concerned about their financial future. I can only see problems for farmers. I just think it is a bad idea – it’s something we don’t need”.
It has also been noted that there is a large majority of 72% of people in Northumberland, Cumbria and southern Scotland in favour of the reintroduction and among these are some farmers who are open to their reintroduction.
It was stated that farmers had asked for safeguards, with industry groups stressing the importance of long-term, robust, support for farmers, including rapid-response teams in the event of livestock attacks, clear compensation schemes and ongoing monitoring to ensure lynx numbers remain sustainable.
More on the consultation with local communities
Dr Deborah Brady, project manager at the Lifescape Project, which undertook the consultation, was quoted as saying: “Now we know that the majority of local people support lynx reintroduction and we also have the scientific evidence showing that a release of lynx in north-west Northumberland could work.
“We will continue to work with local communities to consider how a reintroduction project could be managed to maximise benefits and reduce risks.
“We hope to apply for a licence but only once we have a plan that’s collaboratively designed with local people which sets out measures that are acceptable, feasible and can be implemented.”
Comment
I hope that the potential problems can be resolved, because for me the return of the lynx, says something about Northumbria.
I sat this afternoon overlooking beautiful Redesdale in Northumberland, looking north and west over towards Kielder Forest and the border with Scotland. It is a wonderful land, resonant with tales and music, but also real natural beauty.
And perhaps above all, it is the legendary land of the far horizon, and while we should never forget that it is also a working landscape, it is also somewhere where there is space and solitude in abundance. If that is why lynx are going to be reintroduced into Northumberland, then that makes perfect sense to me. It is a wonderful testimony to our beautiful, tranquil Northumbrian landscape.
