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Lynx
Elusive, secretive, mystical.
The eurasian lynx was once widespread across the ancient forests of Britain.
Since being hunted to extinction 1,300 years ago, deer and fox populations have exploded.
With no lynx, deer herds overgraze the forest floor and cause the barren landscapes now common in upland areas across the UK.
Reintroducing lynx will force deer to behave naturally, grazing for shorter periods and giving the forest a chance to regenerate.
When wolves were reintroduced into Yellowstone national park, the height of trees quintrupled in the space of six years - all due to the change in deer behaviour.
The rivers in the region restored their natural flows and increased habitats for wetland species.
Just imagine yourself walking through a forest in England knowing that lynx are hunting in the same area as you.
How would you react? Would you let your dog roam free? Would you make loud noises?
The socio-economic benefits of reintroducing lynx would also be large - especially for rural communities dependant on the tourism sector.
As seen in the reintroduction of sea eagles in western Scotland, the reintroduction of native British species can be a major boost to local tourism.
Understandably however, reintroducing a large predator to the uk after an absence of 700 years comes with complications.
For starter's, land-use has changed immeasurably since medieval times.
One of the largest arguments against reintroducing lynx is their impact on livestock.
Many farmers have voiced their concern about having lynx inhabiting the forests surrounding their sheep herds.
Despite this, studies of lynx reintroduction in mainland Europe have shown that on average, reintroduced lynx kill one sheep every two-and-a-half years. That’s an average of 0.4 sheep every 12 months.
Studies of lynx in Switzerland even suggest a net benefit to farmers, with lynx being a natural predator of foxes.
In Germany, the government has pledged to reimburse the value of every sheep killed by a reintroduced lynx, providing a solution for farmers in the event of a lynx-caused sheep death.
Although it is important to consider the concerns of farmers and the livestock industry, their is strong evidence to suggest that reintroducing lynx could benefit their herds.
In an age where the demand for meat is decreasing rapidly, we must remember that we were the ones who removed the lynx from Britain in the first place, and our wild lands have paid the price as a result.
What is the future of British lynx?
Unlike the reintroduction of beavers, bringing back a predator is extremely complicated, not just ecologically but politically too.
In 2018, a bid to introduce lynx to Northumberland was rejected by Michael Gove and the UK Government.
The Lynx UK Trust had wanted to release six lynx into Kielder Forest in a five-year trial.
They have since been unable to make a second application, facing strong opposition from farmers and politicians.
In 2022, Scottish re-wilding charity Trees For Life published the first findings of their research to understand if Scotland was ready to reintroduce lynx.
In April of 2023, the reintroduction of lynx in Scotland was discussed in parliament for the first time.
The next step is the approval of government for a long-term trial, during which lynx can be studied in a UK forest.
What are we doing to help?
Since 2020, we have donated over £200 towards efforts to reintroduce lynx in the UK.
To support the project directly, head to treesforlife.org.uk to learn about their incredible work and the challenges ahead.
Throughout the summer of 2023, 3% all sales on our store will be donated directly to the reintroduction of Eurasian lynx back into their native UK forests.