Scots Back Rewilding Initiative: Over 80% Support Government Action to Restore Nature

Polling data commissioned by the Scottish Rewilding Alliance shows that 80% of Scots believe the Scottish Government should establish policies to promote rewilding.

Despite the robust public support for expansive nature restoration, the Alliance—a coalition of over 20 organizations—has voiced concerns that the Scottish Government and public institutions are not fully capitalizing on rewilding opportunities. There is also apprehension that the forthcoming Scottish Natural Environment Bill may not be as ambitious as initially hoped. Recent decisions, such as the reallocation of £5 million from the Nature Restoration Fund, have led to frustration among advocates.

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The Scottish Rewilding Alliance is urging the Scottish Government to declare Scotland as the world’s inaugural Rewilding Nation, aiming to restore natural ecosystems across 30% of the country. The Alliance views the upcoming Programme for Government announcement on 4 September as a critical chance to make this declaration.

While some public bodies have begun to reference rewilding in their strategies or undertake supportive actions, these initiatives are neither widespread nor well-defined. Rewilding has yet to be integrated into key governmental policies and frameworks, including those related to planning, net zero targets, and biodiversity.

Scotland is among the most nature-depleted regions globally, with intensive agriculture and climate change having severe impacts on habitats and wildlife. Additional threats include non-native forestry, pollution, and invasive species.

Recent polling by Survation reveals that 80% of participants believe it is crucial for the Scottish Government to support rewilding efforts.

Currently, less than 3% of Scotland’s land and under 1% of its seas are involved in rewilding, according to the Scottish Rewilding Alliance. Achieving the target of rewilding 30% of Scotland would involve revitalizing habitats such as peatlands, native woodlands, wetlands, rivers, and seas, while continuing to support productive agriculture.

The Rewilding Nation Charter, available at www.rewild.scot/charter, has already garnered thousands of endorsements advocating for Scotland to become a rewilding nation.

Steve Micklewright, the Chief Executive of Trees for Life and the Scottish Rewilding Alliance Convenor, stated: “The Scottish Government has been moving far too slowly on addressing the country’s nature crisis through rewilding, and risks being left behind internationally.”

He also stated that the Scottish Government “should seize the opportunity to declare Scotland the world’s first Rewilding Nation. Such ambition would offer hope for tackling the nature and climate emergencies, and create benefits for people and local communities on health, jobs, and sustainable food production.”

Earlier this year, the Rewilding Nation campaign also received backing from Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio.