New report finds the return of wildcats to South West England is feasible

A landmark new report has revealed that European wildcats could successfully be reintroduced to the South West of England for the first time in more than a century, offering a crucial opportunity to secure the future of the UK’s most critically endangered mammal.

The two-year study, released today by the South West Wildcat Project - a partnership led by Devon Wildlife Trust alongside Forestry England and the Derek Gow Consultancy - concludes that the region’s landscapes could support a sustainable wildcat population. Surveys conducted as part of the research also found that 70–80% of local people are supportive of the species’ return.

European wildcats, historically known as “woodcats”, once roamed widely across England, Scotland and Wales, including the South West. But centuries of persecution and the loss of woodland and rough grassland habitats caused their disappearance, with the last regional sightings recorded in the mid-19th century.

Today, the UK’s only surviving wildcats live in the Scottish Highlands. Despite receiving legal protection in 1988, their numbers have dwindled to as few as 115 individuals, leaving the species on the brink of extinction.

The new report finds that the South West offers a network of well-connected woodland habitats, particularly across mid Devon, that could sustain a reintroduced population.

Independent surveys carried out by the University of Exeter found widespread support for reintroduction. In one survey of 1,000 people, 71% welcomed the idea, while 83% of 1,425 online respondents expressed positive attitudes toward wildcat recovery.

Cath Jeffs, South West Wildcat Project lead for Devon Wildlife Trust, said:

“It’s exciting that this report suggests wildcats could be part of the region’s nature once again. The return of this critically endangered species would be another step in the restoration of our native wildlife and will help re-balance local ecosystems.

“Wildcats were once a widespread part of our countryside and today they remain an important part of woodlands throughout continental Europe including Germany, France, Spain and Italy.

“A lot of work remains to be done before the first wildcats could be released in the South West. Honest and open dialogue with stakeholders will be key to making sure the species and local communities could thrive alongside one another in the future.”

The study found that wildcats pose no significant threat to endangered wildlife such as bats and dormice, with their diet made up of 75% small mammals including voles, rats, wood mice and rabbits. The species is also no threat to people, pets or livestock, with existing precautions used to protect poultry from foxes proving equally effective against wildcats.

The report highlights two major areas that must be addressed before any reintroduction can proceed:

• Hybridisation between wildcats and feral or domestic cats, a threat already affecting Scottish populations, must be mitigated through community-supported neutering programmes.

• Ongoing engagement with landowners, farmers, and local residents is essential to ensure shared understanding, address concerns, and monitor any issues after reintroduction.

While there are no immediate plans to release wildcats, Devon Wildlife Trust and its partners intend to continue developing reintroduction proposals and securing essential funding.

Abby Parravani, Forest Planner at Forestry England, said:

“Forestry England is proud to be a partner in the pioneering South West Wildcat Project. I’m thrilled that the feasibility report shows the suitability of South West England to reintroduce this missing native species, contributing to the restoration of ecosystems across this landscape.

“We’re looking forward to the next phase of the project as we move one step closer to returning wildcats to the South West.”

Independent researcher Dr Roger Auster from the University of Exeter added:

“From both in-person research with stakeholder representatives and public surveys, we found there to be broad support for the idea of wildcat reintroduction, yet with need to understand more about wildcats and the role they play in local ecosystems. With the meaningful involvement of stakeholders during planning, we conclude that wildcat reintroduction is socially viable."

The full feasibility report, summary findings and FAQs are available at www.devonwildlifetrust.org/south-west-wildcat-project.

Devon Wildlife Trust’s Cath Jeffs will also be hosting an online talk, “Wildcats: could the UK’s rarest mammal make a return to Devon?” at 6pm on Thursday 4 December. Free registration is available at www.devonwildlifetrust.org/events.