Lucy, Young People’s Forum

The Missing Lynx campaign aims to reintroduce Eurasian Lynx to Northumberland. My initial reaction was wholly positive. All too many species have been lost to human interference, and at a huge cost to our ecosystems. Improving biodiversity will always have a positive effect on our environment. 

I had the opportunity to visit the exhibition at the Great North Museum in Newcastle and I appreciated how accessible it was, providing an insight into the campaign's progression, expansive research and information on the history of the lynx. I loved getting into conversation with those working on the project and hearing about their hopes and expectations for the reintroduction process. It was interesting to hear about the surveys they were conducting with the public as well as landowners, and discussing issues I had not been aware of beforehand. While reintroducing the lynx to the wild will improve biodiversity, it also comes with a risk to livestock. This is why the questionnaires and surveys are so important as they allow farm owners to have their voice heard on the issue, and work towards problem solving.  I am passionate about our natural world and love spending time in nature, especially since I have discovered the benefits of connecting with nature on my mental wellbeing. It is becoming clear that returning our world to its natural state is the best way to restore our environment's health, and I am always trying to educate myself better on conservation, especially how we can combat the climate crisis. With this in mind, I was keen to talk with members of the project and complete the survey myself. This was a great learning experience as I walked through the audio-visual displays, taking myself through history from the 18th century, when the lynx began to disappear, to the present day.  Currently, one in six of the UK’s native species are at risk of extinction, a huge loss just waiting to happen. Humans have always relied on animals, not just for food and clothing but for the protection of our ecosystems. Reintroducing species may induce fear for livestock, but the extinction of native wildlife encourages invasive species and affects biodiversity. We need conservation efforts, but it is also vital that we maintain the memory of species we have lost.  This is why the Missing Lynx Project is so important. The return of lynx to Northumberland brings a sense of hope along with them. It means they have not been forgotten, and the opportunities they may bring for our landscape is incredibly exciting. 

Laura, Young People’s Forum

Lynxes are one of my favourite animals, and when I learned about the possibility of a lynx reintroduction here in the UK, I was ecstatic. These wild cats could bring so many benefits to our environment; controlling deer populations and preventing the destruction of woodlands from overgrazing, for example. After hearing about the Missing Lynx Project, I was curious to know more. I was interested in how the concept for reintroduction would be presented to the public, so, I went along to the Missing Lynx Exhibition! 

Upon walking into the room, it felt like you were transported into the world of the lynx. There were various stations, each packed full of information, but presented in a way that was easy to digest. I adored how interactive everything was; it made for an engaging experience, and allowed me to form questions I didn’t have before. All of these questions were answered by the lovely people who had worked on the Missing Lynx Project. 

By talking to them, I found out more about the project and their work. From questionnaires to workshops, and even focus groups that involved livestock farmers and others with concerns for the reintroduction; a lot of effort had been put in to determine how the public would feel about lynxes living wild here in the UK. 

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the exhibition and left with hope that we would soon see these wonderful wild cats roaming our landscapes once more. The Missing Lynx Project is a huge step forward in the reintroduction of lost species to the UK, and I wish them nothing but the best on their journey!