Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 1st May 2015
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Lynx return: 'serious consideration' needed
Eurasian lynx
Natural England would have to approve any application to reintroduce lynx into the wild.
Natural England issues statement on possible reintroduction

Any possible release of Eurasian lynx in the UK would need 'very serious consideration', Natural England has said in a statement.

The Lynx UK Trust recently revealed that it hopes to carry out a trial reintroduction of the species, which has been absent from Britain for around 1,300 years.

Earlier this week, the trust revealed the results of a public survey, which showed 91 per cent of those who took part supported the reintroduction of lynx in the UK.

As the appropriate licensing body in England, Natural England would have to approve any application to reintroduce lynx into the wild.

'Any application to introduce lynx into England would need very serious consideration in terms of its impact right across the UK.

'If such an application were made, Natural England would consider it in line with prevailing legislation; international guidelines; following proper public consultation and evidence gathering, and taking into account any input from Government.'

Lynx UK Trust hope to reintroduce the species to sites in Norfolk, Cumbria, Northamptonshire and Aberdeenshire. It is still exploring possible sites for a Welsh reintroduction. Up to six lynx would be fitted with a satellite collar and released at each site. They would then be monitored for three-five years.

The team believe the trial reintroduction could offer a natural solution to deer overpopulation in the UK, regenerating forests and boosting the ecosystem.

However, the National Farmers Union opposes the scheme, believing efforts and funds should be put towards retaining current biodiversity.

Countryside adviser Claire Robinson said: "Lynx have not been in this country for hundreds of years. The environment has changed drastically in that time. We do not know how lynx would behave in the current environment, how they would source their food and what habitat they would use."

So far, Lynx UK Trust's legal advisers have had a preliminary meeting with Natural England to discuss the process of application. The team are continuing to engage in public consultations and education programs, alongside preparing a formal application.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise £100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.