Exploring the possible return of the LYNX to Northumberland

The latest Rothbury CAN event was a trip to Kirkley Hall, to find out more about the Missing Lynx Project

As you can see from the photograph, Lynx are cats, they are medium sized, and have cute tufts on their ears. They are about the size of a slim Labrador. Their colouring is golden with black spots.

Lynx used to live in Britain - they became extinct in Medieval times. Humans were to blame, predictably, as they destroyed the habitat in which Lynx thrive. They were once found all over Europe, and there is now a desire by some to bring them back. With Nature in crisis, the exhibition seeks to explain why this would be a helpful thing to do.

"The Missing Lynx exhibition is our project's first step in listening to local people's opinions. Our research has shown that if lynx were to be released into Northumberland they could grow into a healthy and sustainable population. The habitat patch where lynx would be predicted to successfully live covers north-west Northumberland, the edge of Cumbria and into the bordering areas of southern Scotland as the woodland habitat here has recovered. The partnership would support a reintroduction but only if the conditions above are met - and this new project is testing just that by opening up the conversation with local people."

It is an excellent exhibition, and we were made very welcome indeed by Faye Whiley, Species Recovery Social Science Officer, and her team.

You can learn more about this magnificent creature, and the arguments for and against reintroduction on the Missing Lynx Website.