Report from Chris Smith

Plan For Highland 'call Of The Wild' Education Centre

By Erlend Barclay in the Press and Journal 2 nd July 2003

A Wildlife trust campaigning for the re-introduction of wolves into Britain is attempting to raise funds to open an education centre in the North. The Wolf Trust was established two years ago to dispel myths about the animal and to promote a wolf reintroduction scheme in the region.

It claims to use "scientific knowledge and rational understanding" to build up a detailed picture of an animal often viewed as an aggressive predator.

Although a site for the centre has yet to be found, plans include five acres of land near a busy tourist centre where an "educational wolf pack" will be kept.

The animals will tour schools, community centres and local events to educate the public.

The cost is estimated at around £100,000.

Founder and director of the trust Roger Panaman said: "The idea of wolves living in Britain, after they were exterminated by man 300 year ago, is already beginning to change attitudes.

"The Highlands is a prime location because there is a great deal of space - one of the biggest spaces in western Europe in fact.

"The other thing is food. Deer is their main food but they wouldn't be running round loose.

"The deer would be road-kill or one of many shot each year."

Mr Panaman said the campaign was in its early stages and it was hoped a number of businesses would pledge money to the project.

One of these was Paul van Vlissingen, a Dutch multi-millionaire and nature conservationist, he said.

The fundraising bid comes as the trust struggles to achieve charitable status.

According to organisers the Charities Commission has denied the trust legal status and therefore prevented it from accessing "vital" sources of funding.

Despite a number of attempts to register the body Mr Panaman said: "The Commissioners have come up with a new - and spurious - barrier.

"They claim the Wolf Trust is a political organisation seeking wolf reintroduction as "an end in itself" and therefore still refuse to register it."

The trust has now lodged an appeal with the Parliamentary ombudsman on the grounds of maladministration by the commissioning body.