Scotland - a rewilding nation?
Scotland’s stunning landscapes and dramatic views hide the sad fact that it is one of the most nature depleted countries in the world. The diversity of wildlife here is nowhere near as abundant as it should be, and could be again if we do things right. The potential to restore nature in Scotland is immense. There is space for natural processes to deliver a massive resurgence of wildlife and to help tackle the climate crisis too.
That is why the Scottish Rewilding Alliance, of which Trees for Life is a founding member, is calling on the government to declare Scotland the world’s first rewilding nation. This would commit Scotland to rewilding 30% of land and sea. This upsurge in rewilding would bring with it many new jobs in remote rural areas, because, for now, nature needs a helping hand to kickstart its recovery. The good news is that this can be done without affecting food production.
The other good news is that there are about 150 rewilding projects and initiatives already taking place all over Scotland, from rewilding large areas such as our estate at Dundreggan to smaller scale nature restoration on farms and crofts. And this is not just happening on land, there are a growing number of ‘seawilding’ initiatives, helping to return struggling nature, such as native oysters and sea grass, with the active involvement of local people.
However, when you add up the projects that are underway, this accounts for only about 2.5% of Scotland’s land and sea. To get to 30% we will need leadership and commitment and this starts with the government. Governments tend to only act when they know there is strong public support for something and so the Scottish Rewilding Alliance has launched its Rewilding Nation Charter. The charter focuses on encouraging rewilding, especially at scale, to help restore nature and for people to be at the heart of the process with everyone playing their part and benefiting from nature’s return.
Organisations and individuals can sign the charter – over 3,500 already have. The more people that sign, the clearer the message is that there is demand for rewilding in Scotland. It really is time to make our voices heard. You can sign the charter here.
Accompanying the campaign is a new film – Why Not Scotland? – which follows the journey of Flo as she investigates rewilding initiatives across Europe and asks why this cannot be done in Scotland. Public screenings are taking place across Scotland by local groups and the film will go online later in the year.