For the first time in over a millennium, the elusive Eurasian lynx could once again roam England's woodlands. Tony Juniper, chair of Natural England, has declared himself "enthusiastic" about reintroducing the big cat — a significant shift that breathes new life into one of Britain's most ambitious rewilding plans.
The Eurasian lynx was hunted to extinction in Britain more than 1,000 years ago. Without these skilled predators, deer populations have exploded, damaging young forests and threatening biodiversity across the country. For years, conservationists have argued that bringing back the lynx is essential for restoring balance to England's ecosystems.
A Predator Lost to History
Once thriving across Britain's landscapes, the lynx vanished centuries ago as human activity expanded. These medium-sized wildcats are skilled hunters that naturally control deer populations, allowing forests to regenerate and thrive.
Today, without natural predators, England's deer herds have grown to unsustainable levels. They strip bark from young trees, devour wildflowers, and prevent woodland regeneration — creating what ecologists call "deer deserts" where little can grow beneath the canopy.
Juniper's Bold Support
As head of Natural England, Tony Juniper's words carry weight. His "enthusiastic" backing provides crucial momentum for a plan that once seemed impossible.
The endorsement comes at a pivotal moment for rewilding in the UK. With growing public interest in nature restoration and climate adaptation, the lynx reintroduction represents a bold step toward wilder, more resilient landscapes.
Addressing Concerns
Despite growing support, bringing back the lynx comes with challenges. Some farmers worry about livestock losses, and communities have safety concerns — though lynx pose virtually no risk to humans (there has never been a recorded fatal attack on a human by a Eurasian lynx).
Successful reintroduction plans would need to include:
- Careful consultations with local communities and landowners
- Compensation schemes for the rare instances of livestock losses
- Extensive public education to ease concerns and build trust
- Monitoring programs to track lynx movements and behavior
Evidence from European reintroductions shows that with proper planning and support, lynx and humans can coexist successfully.
A Vision for Richer Wildlands
Advocates see lynx reintroduction as part of a broader vision: wilder, more self-sustaining landscapes that benefit both nature and people.
As an apex predator, the lynx would reshape woodland dynamics. Deer would become more cautious, moving through forests differently and allowing vegetation to recover. This "landscape of fear" effect — where prey animals change their behavior in response to predator presence — has been documented in rewilding projects worldwide.
The Path Ahead
While an official decision has yet to be made, Juniper's enthusiasm marks a crucial turning point. With continued collaboration between wildlife experts, landowners, and local communities, England could soon welcome back a creature long thought lost.
A successful reintroduction would not just restore a species — it would reconnect people with a wilder, more balanced countryside and demonstrate that even after 1,000 years, it's never too late to bring nature back.
Source: Animals Around the Globe, Natural England
