CAMPAIGNERS seeking to reintroduce lynx into Britain have been criticised for canvassing popular support for their plans before consulting with farmers and landowners.

The National Sheep Association (NSA) says it has written to the Lynx UK Trust asking it to engage with the people and businesses that would be affected by the project.

The trust says reintroducing the predator into various remote parts of the UK, including Grizedale Forest and Ennerdale in the Lake District, would help control growing deer numbers and prevent extensive forestry damage.

However, NSA chief executive Phil Stocker said that while they could understand Lynx UK Trust’s enthusiasm for canvassing public views and using those views to give evidence of public support, it should also carry out a balanced consultation.

“NSA has asked the organisation to stop seeking largely disconnected public support and move forward with a licence application, to enable a proper and appropriate consideration of the short-term and long-term economic, environmental and social implications.

“It is clear to see from the generally positive response to lynx reintroduction plans that it is very easy to promote a nice image for the general public around the ‘big cat’.

"However, these animals are high level predators whose reintroduction would directly impact on sheep farmers and related businesses.

“Lynx UK Trust will soon find itself in a situation where it has huge public support but has alienated farmers, land managers and those who depend on the land for their livelihoods.”

The Eurasian lynx has been absent from Britain for so long - around 1,300 years - it could not be brought back without being licensed by Natural England, which the agency said would involve ‘an extensive process’.