Scotland Seeks To Lead As World's First Rewilding Nation With Charter Launch

Scotland is on the brink of becoming the world's first rewilding nation, with over 2% of its land currently undergoing rewilding efforts. This initiative, spearheaded by the Scottish Rewilding Alliance, aims to combat the country's status as one of the most nature-depleted regions globally. The Alliance has introduced a Rewilding Nation Charter, encouraging individuals from diverse backgrounds to advocate for the Scottish Government's commitment to restoring 30% of the country's land and sea to their natural state.

The urgency of this movement is underscored by the release of a feature-length documentary, "Why Not Scotland?", which delves into the potential for rewilding to transform Scotland's landscape on a grand scale. The film is set to tour various cities, starting with an Edinburgh premiere and moving on to Oban, Peebles, Dundee, and Inverness. Steve Micklewright, Convenor and Chief Executive of Trees for Life and a key figure in the Scottish Rewilding Alliance, emphasizes that amidst the looming threats of climate change and biodiversity loss, rewilding presents a beacon of hope not only for Scotland's natural environment but also for its people and future generations.

According to the State of Nature 2023 report, Scotland ranks alarmingly low in terms of biodiversity, with 11% of its species at risk of extinction. The primary culprits behind this decline include intensive agriculture, climate change, non-native forestry practices, pollution, and invasive species. These factors not only jeopardize the country's natural heritage but also pose significant risks to human health and well-being by compromising essential resources such as food, fresh water, and clean air.

In response to these challenges, a coalition comprising over 20 organizations has formed the Scottish Rewilding Alliance. This group has been instrumental in mobilizing communities, charities, farmers, and landowners to initiate over 150 rewilding projects across Scotland. These efforts span at least 160,000 hectares and range from community woodlands to extensive landscape partnerships. Notably, these initiatives are part of a broader network that includes Rewilding Britain’s UK-wide Rewilding Network and the Northwoods Rewilding Network in Scotland.

The Alliance advocates for a rewilding strategy that encompasses the restoration of diverse wild habitats such as peatlands, native woodlands, wetlands, rivers, and marine environments. This approach ensures that productive farmland remains unaffected while promoting sustainable practices in farming, fishing, and forestry.

The documentary "Why Not Scotland?" features Flo Blackbourn, a young Glaswegian who embarks on a journey across Europe to witness firsthand the transformative impact of rewilding on nature and communities. Blackbourn's experiences highlight the potential for positive change when humans work in harmony with nature rather than against it. "My journey was life-changing," she reflects. "It offered me hope at a time when young people like myself are deeply concerned about our planet's future."

Tom Bowser, an Alliance member and farmer who owns Argaty Red Kites in Perthshire, echoes this sentiment. He calls for collective action in support of the Rewilding Nation Charter as a means to foster a more sustainable and equitable future for Scotland.

For those interested in learning more about this pivotal movement or wishing to support the cause, further details can be found at www.rewild.scot.