The European wildcat (Felis silvestris), also known as the 'woodcat' due to its strong ties to woodland habitats, is a native mammal that is now critically endangered and extinct in England and Wales.
They are protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981. Following extensive research, Defra has identified this species as a national priority species, and at Forestry England we're well-placed to support its potential reintroduction.
The Kielder Forest Wildcat Project is exploring whether wildcats could, and should, be brought back to Kielder Forest. The project is hosted by our Forest Wilding programme and is funded by Defra.
Why bring wildcats back to Kielder Forest?
Wildcats are mesopredators (mid-ranking predators) and having them in the landscape helps keep the food chain healthy and ecosystems working properly.
Wildcats are a native species, and we have a responsibility to protect them - especially since they’re now Britain’s rarest mammal and close to extinction.
They were part of our countryside for thousands of years, once roaming across Britain. Wildcats were last recorded in England in Northumberland, in the mid‑eighteenth century.
Latest news from the project
We’re currently exploring whether European wildcats could be brought back to Kielder Forest. This involves looking at both scientific and social aspects of a potential reintroduction. At this stage, there are no formal plans to reintroduce wildcats - everything is still in the exploratory phase.
Biological and ecological feasibility study
In 2024, we commissioned a study to find out if wildcats could survive and thrive in Kielder Forest. The research was carried out by the Coexistence Conservation Lab at the Australian National University, working closely with our own experts at Forestry England. The results were promising - it is biologically and ecologically feasible to consider bringing wildcats back to the area.
Social feasibility study
We also want to understand how people feel about the idea. Forest Research led a Social Feasibility Study from December 2023 to April 2024, which included mapping key stakeholders, interviewing 23 local and regional organisations, and surveying 450 members of the public. You can read the summary report here or read the full report on the Forest Research project page.
Most people interviewed were either neutral or supportive of the idea of reintroducing wildcats to Kielder Forest. We’re continuing to speak to local communities and stakeholders to make sure any future decisions are well-informed and widely supported.
Sustainable forestry and wildcat coexistence in Kielder Forest
Kielder Forest is the largest timber-producing forest in Britain, supplying quality timber while being managed to internationally recognised sustainability standards.
As part of the project’s feasibility studies, we're exploring whether European wildcats could successfully coexist with Kielder's commercial forestry operations. New and emerging survey technology suggest that this could be possible, particularly with support from the local community.
Modern forest management practices create a rich mosaic of habitats, including the open grassy areas, woodland edges, and mature stands that are favoured by wildcats. Clear-felled and replanted zones often attract voles and mice, providing ideal foraging grounds.
We carry out wildlife surveys before any forestry work begins, which are reviewed by specialist teams and protective measures put in place if needed. Wildcats would be included in these surveys, alongside other protected species.
Working together on operational guidance
We're also working with partners to develop operational guidance that will help assess whether wildcats and forestry operations can be managed together, much like our existing practices for birds of prey and badgers. Our approach is not about mitigation, but enhancement: we aim to enrich biodiversity through initiatives such as species diversification, peatland restoration, osprey platforms, and tawny owl boxes.
As part of the feasibility process, we will assess potential operational impacts and engage directly with the timber processing industry. Our goal is to ensure a balanced approach - one that supports both biodiversity and sustainable forestry.
Fact-based decision making
We are working with academic researchers, including conservation and social scientists, to make sure that our decision-making is evidence-informed.
Our work follows best practice guidance published by Defra and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and we work closely with our key sponsors in Defra and other Defra bodies, including Natural England.
Questions about the Kielder Forest Wildcat Project
Want to know more about the project? Head to our frequently asked questions page to see if your question has already been answered.
We’d love to hear from you about the proposed Kielder wildcat project. Whether you have additional questions, ideas, or feedback, your voice matters. Send an email to kielderwildcatproject@forestryengland.uk and a member of the team will be in touch.
