72% support lynx return

Big cat may be brought back south of border

- By Emily Beament

AMBITIONS to reintroduce lynx to England after 800 years and recreate "the wildest part of the country" are edging closer to fruition.

Researchers have established the big cats could thrive if released in Northumberland, where they should help keep the deer population down, boost woodland ecosystems and help reverse declines in nature.

The Missing Lynx Project says the county is the only area in England and Wales with enough woodland to support them.

And they found 72% of people in the region back reintroduction.

Wolves

One of only two native cat species in Britain along with the wild cat, lynx were killed off by hunting and the loss of their woodland habitat.

Other lost or rare species such as beavers and pine martens are already being introduced but large predators such as lynx and wolves are more controversial.