Climate and Environment Law blog 19: R (Lynx UK Trust) v Natural England and SSEFRA [2026] EWHC 2761 (Admin)
‘The Lynx UK Trust (LUKT) wants to bring the lynx back to England. The lynx is a native wild cat that has been extinct in the UK for more than 1,300 years. In 2022, LUKT sought a licence from Natural England under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (WCA) to release three lynx into Kielder Forest as a trial. Natural England declined to assess the application. Its reason was that releasing lynx would be unlawful under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 (DWAA). The lynx is listed as a “dangerous wild animal,” pursuant to s.7(4) and Schedule 1 to the DWAA.’
Landmark Chambers, 2nd November 2026
Source: www.landmarkchambers.co.uk

