A significant 80% of Scots believe the Scottish Government should implement policies supporting rewilding, according to a recent survey conducted for the Scottish Rewilding Alliance. The coalition, comprising more than 20 organisations, warns that despite the strong public backing for large-scale nature restoration, the government and associated public bodies are failing to fully grasp the opportunities presented by rewilding.
The Scottish Rewilding Alliance has expressed concern that the upcoming Scottish Natural Environment Bill may fall short of its initial ambition. The recent reallocation of £5 million from the Nature Restoration Fund has only heightened this apprehension. These decisions have caused widespread dismay among environmental groups and the public, who are eager for more decisive action.
In response to these concerns, the Alliance is urging the Scottish Government to designate Scotland as the planet’s first ‘Rewilding Nation’. Their vision includes nature recovery initiatives covering 30% of the country, a goal they believe the government must seize in the Programme for Government, due to be announced on 4 September.
A Call for Bold Action
Steve Micklewright, Convenor of the Scottish Rewilding Alliance and Chief Executive of Trees for Life, is urging the government to move faster in addressing the nature and climate crises through rewilding.
“The Scottish Government is lagging in its response to the ongoing nature crisis, despite the global momentum towards rewilding,” said Micklewright. Establishing Scotland as the first Rewilding Nation would allow us to address both the nature and climate crises, while delivering real benefits to local communities through improved health, job opportunities, and sustainable food systems.
The Alliance notes that although some public bodies have begun to mention rewilding in their plans, actions to support it remain inconsistent and are not clearly articulated. Moreover, rewilding is absent from key government policies and frameworks, such as the national planning framework, net zero strategy, and biodiversity action plan. This lack of integration has hindered Scotland’s progress in addressing its ecological challenges.
The Scale of Scotland’s Nature Crisis
Scotland is recognised as one of the most nature-depleted countries globally. Research indicates that intensive agriculture and climate change are the primary factors contributing to habitat degradation and the decline in wildlife populations. Other threats, such as pollution, non-native forestry practices, and invasive species, are exacerbating these issues.
According to the Scottish Rewilding Alliance, rewilding is currently taking place on less than 3% of Scotland’s land and less than 1% of its seas. However, the Alliance remains optimistic that rewilding 30% of the country is achievable by restoring key habitats like peatlands, native woodlands, wetlands, rivers, and marine areas. They also stress that rewilding efforts can coexist with and benefit productive farmland, offering a balanced approach to land use.
Public Support for Rewilding
The recent poll, conducted by independent research agency Survation, highlights widespread public support for government-led rewilding initiatives, with 80% of respondents stating that it is important for the Scottish Government to have policies in place that support rewilding efforts.
In response to this public demand, the Scottish Rewilding Alliance has launched a campaign urging the government to declare Scotland a Rewilding Nation. Supporters are calling for a bold and decisive commitment to nature recovery across the country.
Genevieve, a charter signatory from Nairn, shared her thoughts on the movement. “Scotland has incredible potential, and the people have already demonstrated their commitment to nature recovery. We need the government to step up, follow our lead, and be brave enough to make Scotland the world’s first Rewilding Nation,” she said.
Earlier this year, the campaign received international recognition when Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio voiced his support for the Rewilding Nation initiative. His backing has helped shine a spotlight on Scotland’s potential to become a global leader in rewilding and nature restoration.
