Moose let loose in highland reserve
For the first time in nearly 1,000 years, wild moose are roaming the highlands of Scotland thanks to the efforts of one determined landowner.
Paul Lister, who owns a 23,000-acre estate near Inverness, is attempting to build Europe’s first wilderness reserve in the North of Scotland. The reintroduction of the two wild moose is the first stage in a controversial plan to bring back lost species which include lynx, brown bears and wolves.
Mr Lister, whose father founded the furniture chain MFI, is spending millions of pounds in a bold attempt to create a 50,000 acre nature reserve, in which the animals are free to live. He told BBC News: “What I'm aiming is to create a wilderness and wildlife reserve similar to those that exist in Southern Africa; something that is controlled, managed and fenced.”
However, while lauded by wild-life conservationists, Mr Lister will have to face formidable opposition from local farmers, who fear damage will be done to their livestock, in addition to plenty of red-tape.
If Mr Lister is to introduce large predators such as bears or wolves, by law they have to be enclosed by electric fencing. However, such fencing conflicts with the “right to roam” enjoyed by Scottish ramblers throughout the country.
Mr Lister said: "We have covered our countryside with motorways, highways, buildings, golf courses and so on to our own benefit and satisfaction to the detriment of every animal that has ever lived there.
"I get quite angry when I think about the fact that when we want to put back just 1% of the Highlands, we get potential resentment from some quarters.
"When someone wants to come along and do something good for the native flora and fauna, we ought to put our hands up and get on with it."
He believes that the reserve will have the capacity to bring in tourism and money to the local economy in addition to supporting over 100 jobs.
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