AnnualReportfor20251SeptCOMP2026 - Flipbook - Page 13
concluded that this population may be too vulnerable for use
as a potential donor population for proposed reintroductions
to the Romanian Carpathians.
Although this project 昀椀nished in 2025, VWT is continuing
to work closely with Fauna & Flora to develop and fund a
follow-on project to progress the overall European mink
conservation objective, and to gain a better understanding
of its status in the Danube Delta and any conservation
actions required for the population in the area.
D In March 2024, VWT was awarded funding from the Welsh
Government’s Nature Networks Fund, delivered through
the National Lottery Heritage Fund, for a Social Feasibility
Assessment to explore the possible future reintroduction of
the European wildcat to Wales.
Through workshops and interviews, representatives from
communities of interest contributed thoughts on wildcats and
the potential for their reintroduction in Wales.
Completed in 2025, the social feasibility assessment found a
range of views on wildcat reintroduction, from enthusiasm
to concern. While challenges exist — especially around
hybridisation, disease and livestock protection — many
participants expressed openness to the idea if implemented
thoughtfully and collaboratively. We conclude that wildcat
reintroduction in West Wales could be feasible in the near
future. Establishing a robust network of long-term, crosssectoral communication, developing clear con昀氀ict-resolution
strategies, and exploring shared bene昀椀ts will be crucial for
the project’s success, and for creating a stable environment
for the wildcat’s return to Wales.
Since completing this work, the Wildcat Project Of昀椀cer,
Max Henderson, has started his PhD ‘Co-design in
carnivore translocation’, which is co-supervised by VWT
and Exeter University.
Vincent Wildlife Trust Annual Report and Financial Statements 2025 13
