A FREE online talk is being held for anybody interested in plans for the reintroduction of European wildcats to Exmoor.

The plans are being driven by the South West Wildcat Project (SWWP), a partnership of Devon Wildlife Trust (DWT), Forestry England, and the Derek Gow Consultancy.

It could see wildcats, also known as woodcats, return as early as 2028 after an absence of more than 120 years.

Project officer Cath Jeffs will be online from 6 pm to 7 pm on Thursday, December 4, to talk more about the project and a feasibility study published earlier this week which confirmed the Westcountry could support a reintroduction of the UK’s most critically endangered mammal.

Ms Jeffs has worked in species recovery for more than 30 years and before wildcats, she led an RSPB conservation programme to encourage cirl bunting, a species of bird with strong links to the Westcountry.

A DWT spokesperson said: “With a lifelong passion for mammals and especially wild cat species, she jumped at the chance to investigate bringing back a native cat to England.

“This is a great chance to learn more and ask your questions in the Q&A.

“Wildcats are now critically endangered in the UK.

“The remaining population in Scotland is undergoing intense conservation action, including releases, to prevent the species becoming extinct.

“Previously, areas within Wales and South West England have been identified as potentially supporting good wildcat habitat.

“With attitudes to predators changing, could now be the time to bring back a native species of cat to the South West?

“Our work has explored ecological aspects and investigated if people are ready to accept wildcats as part of restoring ecosystems.

“European wildcat were once widespread across Britain.

“Human persecution led to their extinction from England and Wales by the late 1800s.”

Tickets for the talk should be booked online.