Rewilding…

Around the world we are facing an ecological crisis. Biodiversity and habitats are disappearing at an alarming rate and it’s no different here in Scotland where I live. In fact, Scotland ranks as one of the lowest countries globally on the Biodiversity Intactness Index (BII) after centuries of exploitation of natural resources and destructive land management practices.

Scotland has 18% woodland cover (most of which comprises of non-native conifer plantations) which is well below the European average of (44%). We have lost 98% of our original native woodland and the existing fragments are still under threat. Deer forests, driven grouse moors and upland sheep farming have all contributed to a heavily degraded, empty and open landscape here in Scotland which is completely unnatural.

We cannot continue on down this path and over the last 30 years recognition of the need for nature restoration or ‘rewilding’ has been steadily increasing with a significant surge in interest in the last few years as we attempt to address the climate crisis also.

So, what is rewilding? Well, that depends on who you are, where you live and what your cultural background is.

Rewilding means different things to different people but as a general principle it is taking steps to restore natural ecological processes for the benefit of nature and people to create a healthier and more productive environment for everyone.

Please take some time to browse the resources below and check out my YouTube and blog for more in depth discussion.