Lynx UK Trust consultation brief: Kielder

The University of Cumbria (UoC) has been asked to develop a community engagement programme for the Lynx UK Trust (Trust) as part of the Trust’s site selection process for the trial reintroduction of Eurasian lynx (lynx lynx) to the UK. Public consultation is a key element of any (trial) reintroduction proposal. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Reintroduction Guidelines and Directive 92/43/EEC Conservation of Natural Habitats, Wild Flora and Fauna (the Habitats Directive) Article 22 and The Scottish Code for Conservation Translocations (2014) state that reintroduction should only take place after proper consultation with the public concerned. Community support is fundamentally important to this project and it is essential that the local community is given the necessary information and support to enable them to make an informed decision regarding the desirability of the trial.