Hosted at Rewilding Coombeshead, where conservationist Derek Gow has established a wildcat breeding centre, the event brought together experts from across the UK and Europe to share the latest research, experiences and ambitions for wildcat recovery. Attendees were also fortunate to see some captive wildcats during a guided tour of the site, offering a rare glimpse of these elusive animals.

The History of European Wildcats

European wildcats, known in England as the woodcat, were once widespread across Britain but disappeared from England and Wales by the late 1800s mainly due to human persecution. Conservationist Derek Gow explored the species' long history in Britain and its place in our natural heritage.

Today, wildcats are Britain's rarest mammal and are critically endangered in the UK. While conservation efforts in Scotland are focused on preventing their extinction, successful recovery projects across mainland Europe are showing that wildcat populations can rebound with the right protection and habitat restoration.

Why Wildcats Matter

Representatives from Forestry England, a key project partner, spoke about the important ecological role wildcats play as a native woodland predator.

Wildcats primarily prey on small mammals and naturally occur at low densities, meaning they are unlikely to have significant impacts on rare or protected wildlife species. Restoring wildcats is not only about saving a threatened mammal, but also about helping to restore healthy, functioning ecosystems.

Lessons from Across Europe

Speakers Thomas Mölich (BUND Wildkatzenbüro) and Imke Nabben (ARK Rewilding Nederland) shared insights from their extensive research into wildcat conservation in Germany and the Netherlands respectively, where people successfully live alongside recovering wildcat populations.

Their work highlighted how reconnecting woodland habitats has allowed wildcats to move more freely across the landscape, helping populations recover and thrive. They discussed efforts to reduce hybridisation (breeding) with domestic cats and how European wildcats have now become a powerful flagship species for wider habitat restoration and environmental awareness campaigns. 

Understanding Hybridisation

One of the topics discussed in depth was the potential for hybridisation between wildcats and domestic cats.

Research presented by Sian Moody at Exeter University, identified how promoting responsible domestic cat ownership, including neutering and good welfare practices, could reduce the risk of interbreeding between the different species. European studies have suggested that wildcats generally prefer to breed with other wildcats rather than domestic cats. In Germany, breeding between wildcats and domestic cats remains low even though there are significantly more domestic cats in the country (15 million total). 

Maintaining a healthy wildcat population is going to be a key aim of any reintroduction to Devon.

Cats Protection, which is already involved in the Saving Wildcats project in Scotland, highlighted the importance of domestic cat welfare and the positive role cat owners can play in supporting both wildcat conservation and responsible pet ownership.

Importantly, speakers emphasised that what is good for domestic cats is also good for wildcats.

The Future of Wildcats in the South West

The South West Wildcat Project continues to gather momentum as plans progress for the potential return of wildcats to the region. The recently published feasibility study found that a sustainable wildcat population could thrive in South West England, while independent research by the University of Exeter revealed that 80% of people surveyed across the region were supportive of their reintroduction.

Our Wildcat Officer, Cath Jeffs, outlined the project's vision and next steps, including continued engagement with communities, landowners and stakeholders.

Although releases are not imminent, Devon Wildlife Trust and its partners hope to see wildcats return to South West England within the next few years, subject to funding and project development.

The Wildcat Festival showcased the growing enthusiasm, expertise and collaboration behind efforts to restore wildcats to South West England. While there is still much work to do, the event reinforced a shared vision: a future where this iconic native species once again thrives in our woodlands.

A huge thank you to all the speakers, partners and attendees who helped make the day such a success.

Find out more about the South West Wildcat Project.

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