This week the Devon-based Lynx UK Trust will go public on its plans to release three Swedish Lynx into the Kielder Forest, as it formally launches a consultation on Facebook this Thursday.
In response Hexham MP Guy Opperman has issued the following statement:
‘The release of Lynx into the Kielder Forest was the subject of an application to DEFRA a few years ago and was comprehensively rejected on multiple grounds by local people, county councillors, myself as MP, as well as key stakeholders like the Forestry Commission, NSA, the NFU, and the Northumberland National Park. Ultimately both Natural England and the Environment Secretary rejected the proposal.
‘Subsequently, there has been absolutely no request by any of these local groups and representative organisations in the Upper North Tyne and the wider farming community for a release of Lynx - the same issues and lack of support which characterised the previous doomed application remain. I would urge the Lynx Trust to listen to the local community here in Northumberland and not to submit a further application.’