Wild Scotland is part of a cross-sector range of stakeholders who are engaging in discussions about the possibility of a responsibly managed and fully-resourced legal reintroduction of Lynx.

“The 'Lynx to Scotland' project is working towards a carefully planned reintroduction of lynx that respects the views of farmers and other stakeholders – so that Scotland would once again benefit from having lynx in the natural environment,” said Steve Micklewright, Chief Executive of Trees for Life. “Scotland is one of a handful of European countries still lacking a large terrestrial mammal predator. If we are serious about tackling the nature and climate emergencies, we need lynx back. A lynx reintroduction would require Scottish Government approval, with habitat assessments and full public consultation.”

Scotland has more woodland deer than any other European country, and the absence of predators such as lynx leaves the country’s forests diminished and overgrazed by too many deer. By preying on roe deer – their preferred prey – and invasive sika deer, lynx could reduce browsing pressure on regenerating woodlands, helping to expand and enrich the country’s forests. Lynx would be high-profile ambassadors for nature recovery, attracting valuable tourism revenue for rural communities.

We shall continue to update our members on the work of the Lynx Focus Group through our member newsletters.