Support for lynx

Hear from The Missing Lynx Project’s ambassadors

Engaging with communities in our project area is an important part of The Missing Lynx Project’s exploration of lynx reintroduction. We took our travelling exhibition to 15 venues around the region, welcoming almost 10,000 people. We set up focus groups, held community workshops and conducted one-to-one interviews.

Over this time, we met people who wanted to play more of a role in supporting the project. We’ve welcomed six of them as project ambassadors.

We asked some of our ambassadors how they felt about the news that 72% of questionnaire respondents in the region support a lynx reintroduction. Here’s what they had to say…

Laura Thompson

(Laura is a biology graduate from Newcastle University)

Reading the results of the consultation has left me feeling genuinely hopeful about the future of nature in our region. As a project ambassador, I’ve had so many rewarding conversations with local people, and it’s clear that this is something communities care deeply about. The fact that 72% of local respondents support lynx reintroduction, and that nearly 10,000 people engaged with the project in person, reinforces the sense that there’s a real appetite for restoring balance to our landscapes and being part of something positive.

Walter Riddell

(Walter is a land manager from Northumberland)

I am happy to see that an overwhelming majority of respondents took a positive attitude to a lynx reintroduction in the project region, particularly considering that farming interests were very well represented in the sample group. I’m impressed with the careful, calibrated progress of the consultation, including thinking now of systems to ensure that those who might be at risk of losing livestock have something to gain financially through the introduction.

Lucy standing outside, with a rocky shore in the background

Lucy Thornton

(Lucy is a lecturer in Wildlife and Conservation Management)

The results of the Missing Lynx Project’s social engagement present an encouraging picture of how evidence-based science and community education can work hand in hand. It is heartening to see such a large number of people actively engaging with the consultation process and sharing their views. This kind of open, inclusive approach is essential in exploring the feasibility of species reintroductions, and I think it's great to see the project collaborating and sharing experiences internationally to offer valuable insights into both the opportunities and challenges of living alongside lynx. These connections not only strengthen the scientific foundation of the work but also help to build the relationships and trust that will be vital for any future conservation initiatives.

Two of our ambassadors are farmers. Earlier this year, they joined other members of the farming community on a trip to Europe. The Missing Lynx Project organised this trip to introduce farmers from the project region to those already living alongside lynx, to see how they feel living and working alongside these elusive cats.

Lauren Harrison

(Lauren is a farmer from Hadrian’s Wall)

I saw in Europe that it’s possible to live alongside lynx. The risks to livestock can be minimal and there are so many positives. Tourism is an obvious one, but I also think a more balanced ecosystem is beneficial to farmers.

I’ve been really impressed with the approach and the professionalism of the Missing Lynx Project – I think it’s really setting the standard for reintroduction projects. Consultation has been at the heart of everything they do: they have really listened and are still keen to work with farmers to make sure any reintroduction is well managed. I’d urge other farmers to engage with them and take some ownership of the project. The wider public clearly supports a lynx reintroduction and this is a great chance to help make it happen with so little risk to our businesses.

John standing in a field surrounded by sheep, holding a lamb

John Cresswell

(John is a farmer from Northumberland)

I was lucky enough to be selected by Lifescape to visit farmers and researchers in Switzerland and Germany to discuss the impacts of Eurasian lynx on commercial sheep farming.  On other occasions, I have spoken to livestock farmers in Norway and Ukraine who also co-exist with these cats.  From these conversations,  speaking as a livestock farmer myself,  I am convinced that lynx would present little risk to the viability of livestock enterprises in northern England and southern Scotland.  Any risk can and should be further reduced through a sensible and properly funded support programme.  Furthermore, the significant potential positive aspects of lynx (particularly effects on roe deer and badger behaviour) have led me to welcome a reintroduction programme.

Learn more about our ambassadors

Lynx