The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) wants to be included in discussions about reintroducing predators back into England’s countryside.
Farmers have hit out after it was revealed that Natural England wants to create a forum to consider plans to bring back animals such as wolves and lynx back into the wild.
Defra confirmed that as part of its 25-year Environment Plan, Natural England wants to establish a forum to explore opportunities for reintroducing predators.
“We continue to support the creation and enhancement of wilder landscapes as part of our broader approach to nature recovery, including, where appropriate, species reintroductions,” said a Defra spokesperson.
However, the NFU has insisted it is essential that they are included in discussions with Natural England.
“The NFU continually engages with Defra and Natural England on environment policy, including rewilding and reintroduction of species, and will continue to ensure our members’s interests and concerns are properly represented at the highest level,” an NFU spokesperson added.