Overview

• The Lynx UK Trust filed a draft licence application in late June to reintroduce Eurasian lynx rescued from Swedish culls into Kielder Forest.
• Natural England informed the trust that Defra deems the proposed release illegal under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976, preventing the trial from proceeding.
• Paul O’Donoghue, the trust’s chief executive, has warned that his charity will launch court proceedings unless the government reviews and overturns its refusal.
• Tony Juniper, chair of Natural England, says he remains committed to exploring lynx rewilding during his two-year term while calling for deeper engagement with rural communities.
• A Defra spokesperson affirmed the government’s support for species reintroductions but said more evidence on large predator management is needed before approving any release.