KIELDER could soon become home to the lynx, which last roamed these shores 1,300 years ago, after the forest was selected as the preferred site for a trial reintroduction.

The return of the wild cat to Britain, being pushed forward by Lynx UK Trust, is looking more likely despite fears from both local farmers and national associations.

After months of research and consultations, the trust is beginning local level consultations. Last year, it announced its hopes to reintroduce the Eurasian lynx to the British Isles and suggested five potential sites for a trial reintroduction.

A site selection document has outlined key factors favouring Kielder. It was chosen because of its large areas of forest, low population density and few human barriers such as roads and railways.

Chief scientific adviser for the trust, Dr Paul O’Donoghue, said: “Kielder has continually stood out as a place where lynx can flourish and bring huge benefits to the local community.

“This is by no means a final decision. We’re very interested to hear from people in the region.

“They could be living and working alongside the lynx which is an unprecedented opportunity in the history of UK wildlife reintroductions.”

Following the news, the National Sheep Association (NSA) stressed the need for a full and independent consultation.

Phil Stocker, NSA chief executive, said: “We are dismayed that Lynx UK Trust is still pursuing plans to release lynx, as we do not share its belief that the UK has any suitable locations. We are too small an island and too densely populated.

“As Kielder Forest spans the border between England and Scotland, any licence application to release lynx would have to be approved by both Natural England and Scottish Natural Heritage. It would not be appropriate for any trial to go ahead without approval from both bodies, which could only happen after a full and independent consultation that goes over and above what Lynx UK claims to be doing to engage with stakeholders. ”

Local farmer Colin Anderson, who runs Kielder Organic Meats, shared the NSA’s concerns.

“I would be surprised if the lynx did attack agricultural animals, but it only takes one rogue to do so,” he said.

“If it does go wrong, it could go very wrong and I don’t think it’s worth the risk. You just don’t know what will happen and it is that uncertainty that’s the problem. You can’t predict a wild animal’s behaviour.

“Kielder relies on tourism and lots of tourists will be frightened away. I’m sure there will be a lot of people with something to say and there will definitely be a lot of worried farmers. I’m concerned.”

The lynx is the third largest predator in Europe, after the brown bear and wolf. Britain’s largest land-based carnivore, at present, is the badger

There is no evidence of any attacks on humans by healthy wild lynx and a low predation rate on agricultural animals.

The trust will hold an informal event on August 11, location to be confirmed, and a full schedule of local consultations is due to be announced soon.