Lynx reintroduction bid for Northumberland forest rejected
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 30 Oct, 15:46 · Archive
Lynx UK Trust has lost a High Court challenge against Natural England's refusal to assess releasing three lynx into Kielder Forest.
Lynx UK Trust sought a three-year trial to release three lynx – two females and one male – from Sweden into Kielder Forest. The trust had originally applied in 2017 for six animals as part of a five-year trial, which was refused by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. When a revised proposal was submitted in 2022, Natural England again refused, claiming the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 prohibited the release.
The trust challenged Natural England's refusal at the High Court, arguing the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 still permitted authorities to issue licences for such releases. However, Ms Justice Obi dismissed the claim, ruling that 'on Natural England's understanding of the law, the proposed release could not lawfully be implemented'.
Lynx have been extinct in the wild in the UK for centuries. Supporters of reintroduction argue the animals would help biodiversity and control deer populations. A year-long social consultation by the Missing Lynx Project found 72 per cent of people in the North East supported reintroduction. In July, Northumberland County Council passed a motion opposing any effort to release lynx into the wild, with opponents warning they could attack livestock.
How it is being reported
- Wildlife body loses lynx High Court challengeLynx UK Trust wants to release the felines into Kielder Forest.BBC Tyne And Wear · 30 Oct, 15:15
- Bid to reintroduce lynx in Northumberland suffers major setbackThere are calls to release three lynx – two females and a male – on a trial basis in Kielder ForestChronicleLive · 30 Oct, 12:36
In this story: Lynx UK Trust · Natural England · Kielder Forest · Northumberland · Sweden · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log
Comments (0)