There has been controversy over the impact of Government policies on the agricultural industry over the last year
Plans to reintroduce the Eurasian Lynx to parts of Northumberland and southern Scotland could have a ‘significant impact on farmers’ mental health’. Concerns were raised after a difficult year for the agricultural industry amid clashes with Government.
Plans to end the exemption on farmland for inheritance tax have prompted a passionate campaign to reverse the changes. There is also anger over changes to farming subsidies and tax on two-cab pickup trucks and fertilisers.
The Missing Lynx Project is championing the release of lynx to northern England and southern Scotland in a bid to increase biodiversity. However, some farmers oppose the plans on the grounds the wild cats could target livestock.
Coun Mark Mather, who farms near Wooler and sits as the deputy chairman of Northumberland National Park, was concerned about the impact on farmers’ mental health after a challenging year.
Coun Mather, a Conservative cabinet member at Northumberland County Council, said: “We have a Government that is impacting the rural way of life – I think throwing this in as well is quite unfair.
“People are thinking about whether they’re going to be able to farm. Speaking to neighbours and friends in the industry, there’s a lot of people at breaking point.”
Coun John Riddle, Conservative cabinet member for rural affairs at Northumberland County Council, represents the Bellingham ward which includes one of the areas proposed for the re-release. Coun Riddle is also a farmer, and had significant reservations about any attempt to restore the animals to the countryside.
He said: “I’m quite worried about farmers’ mental health at the moment. A lot of people are quite concerned about their financial future.
“I can only see problems for farmers. I just think it is a bad idea – it’s something we don’t need.
“After the last attempt with all the public meetings that was eventually decided by Michael Gove, people probably feel it is a waste of time whatever they say. I don’t know of any commercial farmer that has told me they’re in favour of reintroduction of the lynx.
“They are not a cuddly animal – they are a wild cat. It might be well intended, but these things have been extinct for a long time and I can’t see the benefit of bringing them back.”
It comes after the team behind the plans say new research shows substantial public backing for the plans. A consultation carried out by the Missing Lynx Project found that almost three quarters of those involved supported plans to bring the apex predator back to Britain.
According to the project, 72% of respondents to the year-long consultation were supportive of lynx reintroduction.
The consultation was run by The Missing Lynx Project, led by The Lifescape Project in partnership with Northumberland Wildlife Trust and The Wildlife Trusts. The consultation report provides the initial findings of local people’s attitudes towards lynx reintroduction and their level of support.
Dr Rob Stoneman, director of landscape recovery, The Wildlife Trusts, said: “Bringing back lynx could benefit wildlife more widely – something that is sorely needed in this nature-depleted country.
“We have pushed many native species to extinction, and it makes sense to bring missing wildlife back where feasible. Bison and beavers have invigorated degraded habitats and this consultation shows there’s now an opportunity for us to bring back lynx too.”
Adam Eagle, chief executive of The Lifescape Project, added: “We are so excited to hear the views of people across the UK through our national survey, which is now open for responses from people everywhere.
“But we also know that some people will have concerns, so it is important that everyone has the chance to express a view. The possible return of this beautiful cat is such an important topic for nature restoration in the UK, with the potential to capture imaginations and become a catalyst for engaging people in nature.”
In addition to extensive interviews and workshops with key stakeholders, the project took a group of local farmers to Europe to visit two lynx projects and livestock farmers already living alongside lynx. Lauren Harrison, a farmer from Hadrian’s Wall, took part in the expedition and was positive, arguing a “more balanced ecosystem” could be beneficial to farmers.
The Missing Lynx Project is the second effort to reintroduce the big cat into the area. The previous attempt, led by the Lynx Trust UK, was eventually rejected by then-Environment Minister Michael Gove.
