Scotland’s Rewilding Progress: New Figures Show 2% of Land Now Rewilding
Scotland has emerged as a leader in rewilding efforts, with more than 2% of its land now being rewilded, according to new figures released by the Scottish Rewilding Alliance. The Alliance, a coalition of over 20 organizations, has also launched a Rewilding Nation Charter, calling on Scotland to declare itself the world’s first rewilding nation.
While Scotland has received widespread praise for its rewilding progress, it remains one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world. The Rewilding Nation Charter highlights the potential of rewilding to restore habitats and save wildlife, with significant benefits for both people and the environment. However, the Alliance stresses that much more needs to be done.
“The climate crisis and nature loss pose an unprecedented threat to our way of life and our children’s future. But it’s not too late. Scotland can lead the way as a Rewilding Nation to benefit nature, climate, and people,” said Steve Micklewright, Scottish Rewilding Alliance Convenor and Chief Executive of Trees for Life.
Scotland currently ranks 212 out of 240 countries and territories for the state of its nature, with 11% of its species facing extinction. Intensive agriculture and climate breakdown are identified as the biggest threats to biodiversity, according to the authoritative State of Nature 2023 report. Other threats include non-native forestry, pollution, and introduced species.
These factors not only harm wildlife but also undermine access to food, fresh water, and clean air, and hamper efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change. The Scottish Rewilding Alliance asserts that rewilding can help society cope with these issues while also creating jobs and economic opportunities.
The Alliance has released the first-ever figures on the extent of rewilding in Scotland, revealing that 2.1% of its land is now being rewilded. This includes over 150 projects covering at least 160,000 hectares, ranging from community woodlands to landscape-scale partnerships. These figures also include members of Rewilding Britain’s UK-wide Rewilding Network and the Scotland-wide Northwoods Rewilding Network, led by SCOTLAND: The Big Picture.
The Rewilding Nation Charter calls for the restoration of 30% of Scotland’s land and sea, including habitats such as peatlands, native woodlands, wetlands, rivers, and seas, without any loss of productive farmland. The Alliance emphasizes that rewilding goes hand-in-hand with nature-led farming, fishing, and forestry.
The Alliance has also produced a feature-length film, “Why Not Scotland?”, which follows the journey of Flo Blackbourn, a young Scot from Glasgow, as she seeks out inspiring examples of major nature recovery across Europe.
“My journey to see how rewilding can help nature and people thrive together was life-changing and such a source of hope. Like many young people, I’m worried about the uncertain future we all face with climate breakdown and nature loss – but life can bounce back if we give it a chance, and work with nature instead of against it,” said Flo.
“We’re calling on everyone who shares our hopes and sense of urgency to sign the Rewilding Nation Charter to help create a greener, fairer country,” added Tom Bowser, farmer and owner of Argaty Red Kites in Perthshire.
To learn more about rewilding in Scotland and the Rewilding Nation Charter, visit www.rewild.scot.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.