This autumn, the annual EUROlynx meeting took place in the brand new Semois Valley National Park in Belgium. These meetings are an important opportunity for conservation practitioners and researchers to exchange information and knowledge. They also offer a chance to visit inspiring landscapes, with ecosystem restoration work and conservation practice that we can all learn from.  

Over the course of two full days of presentations and group discussions, the event covered different research projects focussing on lynx. This included both interesting insights on lynx biology and practically relevant research on their ecology and conservation,  providing inspiration for The Missing Lynx Project’s activities. Naturally, during the evenings and plentiful coffee breaks, the team enjoyed networking and catching up with friends new and old over local specialities. 

The Missing Lynx Project team members have been contributing to EUROlynx activities by organising a working group, where information about past and current reintroductions can be discussed, promoting an open atmosphere for learning from others’ experiences. We had the opportunity to present this working group’s findings as well as our project’s status, keeping our international colleagues and supporters informed of our work exploring lynx reintroduction in Britain.

The Semois Valley team are similarly aware of the species still missing from their landscape. Recently, a single lynx managed to reach the area, which has sparked interest in the viability of a population in Belgium. Although this individual was not seen again, the national park team and associates are investigating the ecological feasibility of a reintroduction in the area. They’re also actively fostering the return of the lynx to the area through natural dispersal. With their partners, they are improving the connectivity between forest patches in the national park region and forests in neighbouring countries. This means we had plenty to talk about with them! 

On the third day of the meeting, we spent most of the day outside exploring the new national park with a great programme organised by our hosts. First, we were treated to an introduction to the Semois Valley National Park, highlighting its development and importance within the region, and the history and future of lynx in Belgium. Then we got to take a walk in the national park, enjoying views over the river and forests. There we visited habitat improvement and restoration areas, where structurally complex and biodiverse forests and edge habitats are being encouraged.  

Next, we learned about local wildlife park involvement in the captive breeding programme for lynx, to supply young animals for reintroductions around Europe. We then visited the historic Herbeumont Castle and learned about a sociological study of public attitudes and acceptance of lynx in the national park area. The study surveyed 2,009 people and found that 66% had a positive attitude towards lynx. Finally, we passed through the picturesque town of Bouillon before returning for another fun evening with the meeting participants.