Wild cats could be introduced into the UK countryside for the first time in 1,300 years , it emerged yesterday . Experts want to release lynx , which prey mainly on deer , into woodland in Norfolk , Cumbria and Aberdeenshire as part of an ambitious ‘ rewilding ’ scheme . Although the animals would be introduced onto privately owned estates , the woodland would be unfenced , meaning the 70lb animals could roam free around the countryside . Lynx could be introduced into the UK countryside for the first time in 1,300 years , it emerged yesterday . Scientists argue that introducing lynx will benefit the ecosystem , by helping control the 1million UK deer population , as well as boosting the tourist economy . But the move is controversial and likely to be opposed by farmers worried about the animals savaging their livestock and game birds . Under the plan , devised by the Lynx Trust , four to six cats would be released at each site . Around the size of a large dog and with powerful claws for climbing , they will be released into areas rich in deer and trees and each will wear a tracking device so their movements can be monitored . Experts want to release lynx , which prey mainly on deer , into woodland in Norfolk , Cumbria and Aberdeenshire as part of a ‘ rewilding ’ scheme . The Trust said it would be launching a public consultation this week , before applying to the Government via Natural England and Scottish Natural Heritage ( SNH ) for formal permission . Paul O ’ Donoghue , a science adviser to the Lynx Trust , said : ‘ The lynx is a magical animal that last roamed Great Britain [ at least ] 1,300 years ago . ‘ It is one of the most beautiful cats on the planet and its absence makes Britain a poorer place. ’ But a spokesman for the National Farmers ’ Union said money could be better spent elsewhere . ‘ We would be concerned about the reintroduction due to its high cost and failure risk , ’ he said . ‘ We believe budgets are better focused on developing existing biodiversity. ’ While Ron Macdonald , policy director of SNH , who would have to licence the reintroduction , said they also had concerns . ‘ There are pluses and minuses to reintroducing any species , ’ he said . ‘ Lynx could help reduce deer numbers in Scottish woodlands but some land-use organisations have concerns about the impact of a reintroduction on livestock . ’
Experts want to release lynx in Scotland in Norfolk , Cumbria and woodland . It would be first time big cats were wild in UK countryside for 1,300 years . Woodland would be unfenced , meaning the 70lb animals could roam free . The controversial is move likely to be opposed by Britain 's farmers .