The country’s lost lynx could stalk the forests again – and Kent animal park visitors will have a front-row seat.
Wildwood Trust has unveiled a state-of-the-art lynx enclosure at its woodland discovery park in Herne, near Canterbury.
The Wildwood Trust near Canterbury has unveiled a scheme to reintroduce lynx into the wild. Picture: Harding-Lee Media
Known for reintroducing European bison, the conservation charity has engineered the space to breed lynx for future reintroductions.
Paul Whitfield, director general, said: “Lynx have been part of Wildwood for many years and are a vital species in telling the story of Britain’s natural heritage.
“When people visit Wildwood, they walk through a living woodland filled with the animals that once shaped our landscapes – from red squirrels and pine martens to wildcats, bison and wolves.
“This new facility is about more than creating a home for our lynx; it’s about helping to move them from a species we’ve lost to one we’re bringing back.”
Mr Whitfield says the concept of lynx living in wild environments is “not only feasible” but “incredibly exciting”.
Paul Whitfield Wildwood Trust’s director general. Image: Harding-Lee Media
The charity’s Missing Lynx Project is exploring how the animals could one day return to the forests of Britain, he added.
The scheme, run by The Lifescape Project with Northumberland Wildlife Trust and The Wildlife Trust, is investigating whether they could return after more than 1,000 years.
The focus is on Northumberland, Cumbria and southern Scotland, checking if habitats and communities are ready.
The Eurasian lynx, a native predator wiped out in medieval times, helps control deer and other prey, keeping ecosystems in balance.
With woodland cover now more than doubled, experts say north-west Northumberland could host a viable population.
A lynx inside a new enclosure at the Wildwood Trust near Canterbury. Picture: Harding-Lee Media
Dr Deborah Brady, lead ecologist at The Lifescape Project, said: “We’ve done an in-depth consultation and it shows local people broadly accept the idea – and we also know that lynx could thrive in the area.
“We are continuing to discuss with local people to consider how a reintroduction project could work to maximise benefits and reduce risks.
“We hope to apply for a licence, but only once we have a plan that’s designed together with local people – one that sets out measures that are feasible and can actually work.”
She added: “The new lynx habitat at Wildwood, just outside Canterbury, combines innovative enclosure design with public education and research.
“It provides a naturalistic woodland environment that reflects the species’ preferred habitat and supports potential future breeding programmes – a vital step should reintroduction plans be approved.”
The enclosure is home to long-standing lynx residents Flossie and Torridon. With over 300 metres of fencing and a raised viewing walkway, visitors can get up close to the elusive cats.
The Wildwood Trust near Canterbury has unveiled a scheme to reintroduce lynx into the wild. Picture: Harding-Lee MediaMark Habben, director of zoological operations at Wildwood. Image: Harding-Lee Media
Mark Habben, head of zoo operations, said: “Our ambition is to breed lynx in the future, and this facility has been designed with that in mind.
“But just as importantly, it provides an engaging and educational habitat where visitors can connect with this remarkable species.
“With the new viewing platform, people will be able to experience these animals up close and appreciate their role in healthy ecosystems.
“We hope this exhibit helps challenge some of the myths surrounding lynx and showcases why they deserve a place in Britain’s wild future.”
Sally Holt, head of carnivores at the Wildwood Trust. Image: Harding-Lee Media
Sally Holt, head of carnivores and small mammals at Wildwood, said: “While some people misunderstand lynx and how they live, in reality, they are shy, solitary animals that avoid human contact and play an important role in keeping ecosystems healthy.
“Part of our job at Wildwood is to help people see the lynx for what it truly is – a quiet, elusive predator of deer that once helped balance our natural landscapes.”
