Could European Wildcats return to Devon?

European wildcat, also known as woodcat in England, were once widespread across Britain. Human persecution led to their extinction from England and Wales by the late 1800s.

Wildcats are now Critically Endangered in the UK. The remaining population in Scotland is undergoing intense conservation action, including releases, to prevent the species becoming extinct.

Previously, areas within Wales and South West England have been identified as potentially supporting good wildcat habitat.

With attitudes to predators changing, could now be the time to bring back a native species of cat to the South West?

Our work has explored ecological aspects and investigated if people are ready to accept wildcats as part of restoring ecosystems.

Come hear the results from our Project Officer and ask your questions in the Q&A. This talk will be recorded.

Find out more, in advance, about the Devon Wildcat Project and recent study here.

About the speakers

Cath Jeffs is Wildcat Project Officer with Devon Wildcat Trust and has worked in species recovery for over 30 years. Before wildcats, she led the RSPBs conservation programme for Cirl Bunting, a species with a strong link to Devon. With a lifelong passion for mammals and especially wild cat species, she jumped at the chance to investigate bringing back a native cat to England.

Cover photos: Tom Mason