Over two thousand people visit touring ‘Missing Lynx’ exhibition

Lynx heading to The Great North Museum: Hancock. Image by Berndt Fischer.

A small travelling exhibition called The Missing Lynx has proved an unexpected hit with people in Northumberland. Now it’s set to open at the Great North Museum: Hancock in Newcastle on Saturday 20th July for two weeks.

The exhibition spotlights the Eurasian lynx, an elusive and solitary cat that lives in forests across mainland Europe and once called Britain home.

Over two thousand people have visited the stunning interactive show since it started travelling around the area in April – and 400 people have filled in the questionnaire asking for views on bringing lynx back to the area.

“Lots of people have told us they didn’t know about lynx before seeing the exhibition and the fact they used to live here. Visitors have been keen to know more and are interested in how lynx improve forests for other wildlife.

The history of lynx in Britain and the fact that communities are helping them come back across Europe are real talking points. We want as many people as possible to fill in our questionnaire and give us their views about lynx.”

Dr Deborah Brady: Lead Ecologist at The Lifescape Project

Volunteers from Northumberland Wildlife Trust have helped at the exhibition as it has toured. One of them, Christine, says: 

“This is a wonderful exhibition designed to give informed information about lynx, their reintroduction in Europe and the potential for reintroduction here. It is very interactive and has something for all ages, with the opportunity to give feedback and find out more.”

Another volunteer, Holly, says:

“Volunteering with the Missing Lynx Exhibition deepened my understanding of the roles predators play in maintaining ecosystems while providing an opportunity to have balanced conversations about the feasibility of lynx reintroduction.

“The exhibition includes fun, interactive, and informative displays highlighting the state of biodiversity, how lynx may influence UK ecosystems and the history of lynx reintroductions, with chances for future discussions and focus groups. I was very impressed by the team’s hard work in setting up the exhibition and their dedication to understanding different perspectives.”

Visitors have responded to the exhibition, writing:

“Very informative, brought back memories when I was a boy (70 years ago) and wandered through open countryside.”

Another wrote: “The project was presented in a balanced and well-researched way. This is very helpful in making wider decisions about reintroductions. Interactive displays are better than watching media-presented programmes as one can proceed in one’s own time.”

Mike Pratt, Northumberland Wildlife Trust’s Chief Executive Officer, says:

“It’s been wonderful seeing people’s reactions to the exhibition. Families love the amazing interactive screen in the exhibition – it makes you think you’re in a magic forest – and kids always sneak back to dance around in front of the big screen which reacts to movement. It’s very interactive and it also makes people feel there’s hope for the future.”

John Cresswell, Northumberland farmer, says:

“I am a sheep farmer and landowner with a strong interest in helping nature recover in Northumberland. I enjoyed my visit to the Missing Lynx roadshow – it taught me a lot about this animal. Now that we have more woodland in the region it would seem entirely appropriate to review the opportunities for lynx reintroduction.”

Malavika Anderson, Museum Manager at the Great North Museum: Hancock, said:

“We are delighted to host this interactive exhibition at the Great North Museum: Hancock. The museum aims to be a space for our audiences to engage with themes like environmental change and

biodiversity – and this project does just that! We hope our visitors will learn more about our regional natural environment and participate in debates and discussions around its future.”

For more information visit www.missinglynxproject.org.uk

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