A CONSERVATION charity has said it is “thrilled” after hundreds of people gave their backing to a landmark book highlighting the benefits of a wilder Scotland.
Trees for Life launched a crowdfunding appeal two weeks ago to raise at least £20,000 – it has now passed the 80% mark and has attracted a wave of positive responses.
The group which is based in the Highlands, has ten days to raise the rest of the funds needed to ensure it can publish Scotland: A Rewilding Journey.
The hardcover book is also being backed by Reforesting Scotland, Rewilding Britain, the Borders Forest Trust, and Woodland Trust Scotland.
Steve Micklewright, Trees for Life’s chief executive, said the book sets out a vision for Scotland’s future: “We need as many people as possible to show their support and join in the movement for rewilding by making this ground-breaking book happen.
“Scotland: A Rewilding Journey will be a rallying call for a wilder Scotland – where forests full of life are regenerating, rivers lined with alder and willow run freely, damaged peatlands are revitalised, and our oceans support the great whales.
“It’s all about inspiring an appreciation of the huge benefits a wilder Scotland would bring to people and wildlife.”
The book will showcase photography by the team at Scotland: The Big Picture, a non-profit social enterprise that includes many of the country’s top nature and conservation photographers.
They have spent three years capturing the beauty and drama of Scotland’s landscape and its wild inhabitants – including golden eagles, beavers, ospreys, red squirrels and pine martens.
Director and photographer, Peter Cairns – who is editing the book with Susan Wright – said: “Scotland: A Rewilding Journey will lay out a powerful vision for a future Scotland, where eagles soar, red squirrels forage and beavers engineer new wetlands.
“It is being published at a tipping point in the history of Scotland’s landscapes, with a growing understanding of the benefits of a wilder environment for people and nature.
“We want the book to ignite fresh conversations and forge new relationships with the people who shape Scotland’s landscapes – including key landowners, policy makers and rural interest groups.
“Worldwide, short-term economics are wrecking nature – sometimes irreversibly.
“Our climate is changing, species are being lost forever, and vital natural resources such as clean air and water are under threat.
“Everyone who supports Scotland: A Rewilding Journey will be helping to make the case for a new approach, in which Scotland is a world leader in environmental repair and restoration.”
The book is being written and edited by some of Scotland’s most prominent conservationists, including John Lister-Kaye and Duncan Halley.
Positive online and social media comments include: “Scotland is a beautiful country – the Highlands in particular – and everything should be done to protect and enhance the landscape and wildlife already there, and in the future. Thank you all for the hard work you are doing in the Highlands and in spreading the message about the value of our wild spaces. This is a great cause. I hope my donation contributes a little bit towards making a huge difference.”
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