Wildlife Trust exploring reintroducing Wildcats in Devon
by Devon Wildlife Trust
After an absence of more than 100 years, Wildcats could return to the South West. The first crucial step is for Devon Wildlife Trust and partners to complete an 18 month feasibility assessment.
Wildcats were once found throughout the UK, but were hunted to extinction in most of England and Wales by the 18th century. Now, Wildcats are on the verge of extinction in Scotland and are subject to urgent species recovery action.
The South West Wildcat Project is a partnership project between Devon Wildlife Trust, Derek Gow Consultancy and Forestry England. University of Exeter and Wildwood Trust are advisers to the project.
Why bring Wildcats back?
The South West was one of the last strongholds for Wildcats in England and there is evidence that a small population survived in Exmoor until just over a century ago. Wildcats once played an important ecological role in our countryside and could do so again.
How does reintroduction work?
A preliminary ecological reintroduction feasibility study on Wildcat reintroduction has been carried out by Vincent Wildlife Trust. This report concluded that there are regions which warrant further exploration for reintroduction, including the south west of England (Devon in particular), as well North and West Wales.
The project is now beginning to explore the feasibility of reintroducing Wildcats to Devon. This work will involve science and evidence assessments, as well as a social feasibility study and a comprehensive public engagement programme.
At every stage of its work the South West Wildcat Project is following guidelines established by the International Union for Conservation of Nature on the reintroduction of species.
We are grateful to Devon Environment Foundation and The Benindi Fund for funding the feasibility stage of this project.
21 November 2023
Share this story
