by Holly Chapman | 25 Sep 25 | Nature & Biodiversity, News
Scottish theatre and movie actor Alan Cumming has spoken about why he supports the campaign calling on the Scottish government to declare Scotland the world’s first Rewilding Nation as well as committing to rewilding 30% of the country’s land and seas.
“Scotland could have more forests, healthier seas and lusher wildlife. Rewilding is how we can make that happen,” explains Cumming.
The Traitors actor has made his opinions clear as more than 100 people from across Scotland are set to gather outside the Scottish parliament on 1 October to draw attention to the barriers holding back rewilding.
The Scottish Rewilding Alliance agrees and comments:
“Rewilding 30% of Scotland can be achieved by restoring habitats including peatlands, native woodlands, wetlands, rivers and seas, while maintaining and benefiting productive farmland.”
Declaring Scotland a Rewilding Nation would lead to a meaningful action with ministers committing to restoring the natural environment through legislation and funding to enable rewilding and empower local communities, according to the Alliance.
Proposals from the Alliance include making nature recovery the primary purpose of protected landscapes and seascapes, establishing wild zones around rivers and coastlines and doubling woodland cover.
Click here for more information on the event outside the Scottish parliament.
by Holly Chapman | 03 Apr 25 | Nature & Biodiversity, News
In need of “urgent political action”, Scottish Rewilding Alliance urges the Scottish government to back rewilding plans by naming the country as the first Rewilding Nation.
The Scottish government has committed to protect 30% of its land and sea by 2030. According to current rates of increase, recent Scottish Rewilding Alliance figures show it could take up to 65 years to reach this goal.
The Alliance says there is a significant need for political support to reach their original goal.
Alliance co-convenor and chief executive of Trees for Life, Steve Micklewright says they can’t afford to wait until 2090, adding:
“Politicians from all parties need to step up. With political will, rewilding can help us tackle the nature and climate emergencies while benefiting health, jobs, sustainable food production and re-peopling, and ensuring clean air and water, and healthy rivers and seas.”
Polling shows that 80% of Scots think their government should have policies in place to support the restoration and rewilding goals.
The figures also show that only 1% of Scotland’s sea is seen in rewilding projects, with government ‘delays’ hindering effective Marine Protected Areas.
Karen Blackport, the Alliance’s co-convenor and chief executive of Bright Green Nature comments:
“Declaring Scotland a Rewilding Nation would lead to meaningful action with ministers committing to restoring the country’s natural environment through legislation and funding to enable rewilding and empower local communities.”
The Rewilding Nation Charter has been signed by thousands of people, including big names such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Brian Cox.
MSPs are invited to also sign the charter this week in the Scottish parliament.
