Concerns for farmers raised over lynx plan

PLANS to reintroduce the Eurasian Lynx to parts of Northumberland and southern Scotland could have a ‘significant impact on farmers’ mental health! Concerns were raised after a difficult year for the agricultural industry amid clashes with Government.

- JAMES ROBINSON

Plans to end the exemption on farmland for inheritance tax have prompted a passionate campaign to reverse the changes. There is also anger over changes to farming subsidies and tax on two-cab pickup trucks and fertilisers.

‘The Missing Lynx Project is championing the release of lynx to northern England and southern Scotland in a bid to increase biodiversity. However, some farmers oppose the plans on the grounds the wild cats could target livestock.

Coun Mark Mather, who farms near Wooler and sits as the deputy chairman of Northumberland National Park, was concerned about the impact on farmers’ mental health after a challenging year.

Coun Mather, a Conservative cabinet member at Northumberland County Council, said: “We have a Government that is impacting the rural way of life - I think throwing this in as well is quite unfair. People are thinking about whether they're going to be able to farm.

“Speaking to neighbours and friends in the industry, there’s a lot of people at breaking point.”