With Scotland preparing to host Cop26 in November, and with calls for the country to declare itself the world’s first “Rewilding Nation”, it was heartening to read NatureScot’s chief executive, Francesca Osowska, engage with rewilding in a way that chimes with the positive approach of leading rewilding organisations (Reintroducing wolves to UK could hit rewilding support, expert says, 24 September).
Yes, rewilding isn’t just about reintroductions. With Scotland one of the world’s most nature-depleted countries, we need large-scale restoration of habitats such as woodlands, peatlands, rivers and seas, alongside opportunities for nature-friendly farming.
Our newly launched Affric Highlands initiative, for example, is bringing together landowners, local communities and others to rewild over 500,000 acres of the Highlands, and so tackle the nature and climate emergencies, while creating social and economic opportunities.
But Ms Osowska’s focus on the risks of reintroducing bears and wolves is deeply unhelpful. There is no serious campaign to reintroduce bears in Britain. Wolves aren’t returning any time soon. Raising a nonexistent debate in this way risks needlessly frightening rural communities, and undermines constructive conversations about rewilding’s extensive benefits.
NatureScot also needs to change course on its damaging approach to beaver management. The agency has identified over 100,000 hectares of habitat across Scotland for these natural rewilders, but still prefers to allow problematic beavers to be shot instead of moved to suitable areas.
Ms Osowska’s comments offer grounds for hope – but also highlight why she needs to engage much more closely with the rewilding sector in Scotland.
Steve Micklewright
Chief executive, Trees for Life
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