Tessera

The Scottish Rewilding Alliance

@scotrewilding.bsky.social

Imagine a Scotland where nature is reawakened. Rewilding is a simple idea: let's work with nature instead of against it.

58 Posts183 Follower 27 Folgt

The Scottish Rewilding Alliance @scotrewilding.bsky.social · 2d ago

While emergency responders, local volunteers, farmers, gamekeepers, and conservation teams work tirelessly to fight the fire in the Cairngorms, we need to talk about long-term resilience. Here are five ways to create more fire-resistant landscapes. 🧵1/3

Split image. On the left, text over fiery background reads: "Scotland is drying out - and catching fire. Here are five ways to help reduce wildfire risk." On the right is an illustration of a firefighter spraying water on flames next to bold text reading "Thank you". Below, a message reads "A massive thank you to the emergency responders, conservation staff, gamekeepers, land managers, pilots, farmers, local volunteers and everyone else who continues to fight the Cairngorms wildfire. Tackling wildfires takes a physical and emotional toll on emergency responders and local communities. We’re grateful to see everyone come together to fight the flames. As Scotland becomes hotter and drier, we must do everything we can to support those on the frontline. Here are five ways to help reduce wildfire risk."

Split image. On the left is a burnt landscape with charred branches and a broken green glass bottle on the ground. The title "1 Prevent ignitions" is highlighted on an orange background, with smaller text reading "Almost all wildfires begin with avoidable human actions. Disposable BBQs, campfires, discarded cigarettes or glass bottles, and out of control burns can all ignite wildfires. The easiest wildfire to stop is one that never starts in the first place. An urgent national push on wildfire education is needed." On the right is a firefighter in protective gear, including a bright yellow helmet, sprays water from a hose onto a smouldering forest floor amidst tall pine trees. The title at the top reads "2 Equip responders," and below, text reads "Wildfires are far easier to contain while they're still small. We need to give frontline responders the people, equipment and support they need to detect and tackle fires before they become major emergencies."

Split image. On the left is an aerial view of a landscape with a small lochan and a lush green bog in the middle of an extensive area of burnt heather. The title reads "3 Make it wetter" on a blue background, accompanied by smaller text that reads "Water is the ultimate firebreak – but a warming climate and decades of drainage have turned our uplands into dry tinderboxes that burn fast and hot. Restoring peatlands and welcoming back beavers helps hold water in the landscape – creating green buffer zones that slow the spread of fire, help wildlife escape the flames and give firefighters a chance to contain blazes." On the right is an aerial view of green broadleaf woodland surrounded by burnt, blackened ground. A title on a green background reads "4 Diversify woodland" while smaller text reads: "Broadleaf and mixed woodlands form a natural firebreak. They stay cooler and damper during dry weather because their leafy canopies shade the ground and retain moisture. Breaking up flammable monocultures with broadleaf trees can reduce the intensity of fires by up to 5 times."

Split image. On the left, two ponies graze in a field scattered with scrub. A title on a yellow background reads "5 Wilder Grazing" while smaller explanatory text reads "At low densities, native cattle, ponies, wild boar and deer are natural landscape managers. Their browsing, grazing, rootling and trampling create a patchwork of habitats with natural gaps that help slow advancing flames." On the right is a bullet list on a beige background titled "What we need" with icons for each item. The points are: "PREVENT IGNITIONS: Public education to prevent human-ignited wildfires; EQUIP RESPONDERS: Give emergency responders resources for rapid early action; MAKE IT WETTER: Restore peatlands and establish beaver wetlands; DIVERSIFY WOODLANDS: Increase fire-resilient native broadleaves at scale; WILDER GRAZING: Deploy wild, mixed, native grazers to create natural firebreaks."

The Scottish Rewilding Alliance @scotrewilding.bsky.social · last wk.

We'd like to express our deep gratitude to everyone involved in responding to the wildfires in the Cairngorms. You can support the effort by donating to the Support for Cairngorm Wild Fires community appeal: 👉 www.gofundme.com/f/support-fo... 🧵1/2

Charred landscape with blackened earth and burnt trees, smoke lingering in the air against a backdrop of hills and overcast sky. Patches of green vegetation and wildflowers remain in the foreground.

The Scottish Rewilding Alliance @scotrewilding.bsky.social · 2w ago

The Scottish Government needs a dedicated #MinisterForNature – someone who wakes up every morning thinking about restoring ecosystems and driving action across every department of government. If you agree, sign our open letter to the First Minister. ✍️ actionnetwork.org/petitions/sc...

Image divided into two halves. The left side shows a mountainous landscape with sparse vegetation and the right side imagines the same area, wild with trees and vegetation. Title text reads "Scotland's wilder future needs leadership to grow". Bylines call for "a dedicated Minister for Nature" to grow "ambitious action for our land and seas". Below, an arrow connects the halves with "LET’S MAKE IT HAPPEN" on a yellow banner.

The Scottish Rewilding Alliance @scotrewilding.bsky.social · 2w ago

The Big Picture Conference returns to Perth on 19 Sept hosted by our member @scotlandtbp.bsky.social. We’re excited for a day of inspiring talks, fresh ideas and connecting with people who share a vision for a wilder Scotland. 🎟️ Grab your ticket here: www.scotlandbigpicture.com/conference

An misty scene of a beaver swimming through water with a leafy branch in its mouth. Bold text reads: "The Big Picture Conference, Scotland's Rewilding Event, 19 September 2026, Perth Concert Hall".

The Scottish Rewilding Alliance @scotrewilding.bsky.social · 3w ago

'We need to move past old divisions and tackle the crises facing us together.' That’s the message from Tom Bowser of @Argaty Red Kites, as he takes up his role as our new Co-Convenor. For more details, read our press release 👉 www.rewild.scot/news-and-blo...

Beaver restoration champion to co-lead Scotland’s alliance for nature recovery - The Scottish Rewilding Alliance

“We need to see past old divisions and tackle the crises facing us together” Tom Bowser of Argaty Red Kites, a conservationist, nature writer and rewilding land manager, is to be the new Co-Convenor o...

rewild.scot

The Scottish Rewilding Alliance @scotrewilding.bsky.social · 3w ago

Wait, Scotland legally committed to restoring nature, but nobody in government is solely dedicated to delivering it? Something doesn't stack up. Joined our call for the Scottish Government to appoint a dedicated #MinisterForNature. ✍️ actionnetwork.org/petitions/sc... Illustrations by @Ed Harrison

The Scottish Rewilding Alliance @scotrewilding.bsky.social · 4w ago

Who in Cabinet is speaking up for Scotland’s land and seas? Right now, nobody is. We're calling on The Scottish Government to appoint a #MinisterForNature. If you'd like to see that too, add your name to our open letter: ✍️ actionnetwork.org/petitions/sc... 🎨 Illustrations by Ed Harrison

The Scottish Rewilding Alliance @scotrewilding.bsky.social · 4w ago

We already know what's driving wild salmon decline in Scotland – so what's stopping the Scottish Government from acting? An article from WildFish sheds some light. 👉 Well worth a read: wildfish.org/blog/can-the... 📷 Peter Cairns / @scotlandtbp.bsky.social

The Scottish Rewilding Alliance @scotrewilding.bsky.social · last mo.

Nature can bounce back when given the chance – but without someone fighting for it, it's held back, like wildflowers trying to grow through concrete. Tell the Scottish Government to appoint a dedicated #MinisterForNature. ✍️ actionnetwork.org/petitions/sc... 📷 @scotlandtbp.bsky.social

The Scottish Rewilding Alliance @scotrewilding.bsky.social · last mo.

Eight beavers succeeded where decades of engineering struggled, stopping flooding in northwest London by building dams and wetlands. Even the Mayor praised their work. We'd like to see more political support in Scotland too. See what the Mayor @london.gov.uk said👉 bit.ly/4f3NWKK%22

The Scottish Rewilding Alliance @scotrewilding.bsky.social · last mo.

Aspen bristle moss grows on just 60 aspen trees in Britain. When one of those was brought down by a storm, @plantlifeuk.bsky.social made an emergency bid to save the moss by moving it onto nearby living trees. 👉 Full story here: www.plantlife.org.uk/aspen-bristl... 📷 Mark Hamblin / @scotlandtbp

Bright yellow-green moss growing densely on a tree bark, displaying tiny star-shaped formations.

The Scottish Rewilding Alliance @scotrewilding.bsky.social · last mo.

Today, Members of @parliament.scot will debate how to meet the challenges of a changing climate. We know nature is our best ally. Sign our open letter calling on the government to appoint a dedicated #MinisterForNature: ✍️ actionnetwork.org/petitions/sc...

Illustration of planet Earth on a yellow background. Bold black text surrounded with radiating lines reads: "5 Ways Rewilding Can Help Tackle the Climate Emergency."

On the left: An illustration of a stylised landscape with trees and a soaring bird of prey against a cloudy sky. Bold green and orange text reads: "1: Rewilding our land stores carbon safely". Smaller text below reads "Restoring and protecting native woodland, peatlands, heaths and species-rich grasslands over seven million hectares of Britain could capture and store 53 million tonnes of carbon dioxide per year."
On the right: An illustration of an orca swimming above seagrass in a tea; ocean. At the top is the number 2 in yellow, and the title "Rewilding Our Seas Locks Up More Carbon." Below, smaller text explains "Protecting and rewilding our seas is vital for helping marine wildlife thrive and tackling climate change. Marine and coastal ecosystems – including seabed sediments, saltmarshes, seagrass, shellfish and kelp – store “blue carbon.” Protecting at least 30% of our seas will help these habitats recover."

On the left: A yellow graphic with illustrations of a heron, a dragonfly, a mushroom, and a beaver near a tree stump. A green number 3 is accompanied by a bold title in black text: "Reintroducing Key Species Animates the Carbon Cycle". Smaller text below reads "Nature-based climate solutions often focus on habitat restoration, but wildlife also plays a crucial role in drawing down and storing carbon. Some scientists call this ‘animating the carbon cycle’. Bringing back and strengthening populations of key species helps address the climate emergency."
On the right: Graphic titled "4 Rewilding Protects Us from the Effects of Climate Change" in bold green letters. Smaller text reads: "Rewilding can help us deal with the effects of increasingly extreme weather. Restoring rivers, reintroducing beavers and allowing more trees and scrub to grow on denuded hills can all reduce flooding. Evidence shows that wetted peatland and native woodland – complete with large grazing herbivores – are more resistant to wildfires than degraded landscapes." The background features a stylised illustrations of trees with flames approaching, symbolising wildfire.

On the left: A green infographic titled "5 Rewilding Helps Wildlife Adapt to Climate Change Too" features a map of Scotland with arrows pointing northwards. Illustrations of an orchid and a butterfly are at the northern edge on the map. The title "Rewilding helps wildlife adapt to climate change too" is accompanied by text explaining "Climate zones in Britain are moving northwards at up to 5km a year – far faster than during the post-ice age climate warming. Species unable to keep pace have nowhere to go. Rewilding key areas and connecting them up will help wildlife move and habitats adapt – helping save some species from climate-driven decline or extinction."
On the right: Illustration of a person placing an oyster in water, with trees in the background. A second person stands with binoculars and a clipboard. Text reads: "Tell the Scottish Government we need a Nature Minister. We know the value of wilder nature – but if the government is serious about tackling climate change, it needs a stronger voice for ecosystem restoration. Tap the link in the caption to sign our open letter and help send a strong message to the First Minister."

The Scottish Rewilding Alliance @scotrewilding.bsky.social · 2mo ago

"Good will is not enough from the SNP. Scotland needs a nature minister." That's the argument Kevin Cumming makes in a recent article featuring our #MinisterForNature campaign. Help keep the pressure on by signing our open letter: ✍️ actionnetwork.org/petitions/sc... 📷 Colin Hattersley

A man with a beard speaks against a bright blue backdrop. Blurred text behind him reads, "80% of people in Scotland want the government to support rewilding."

The Scottish Rewilding Alliance @scotrewilding.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Our annual Summer Gathering at Bamff Wildland featured political updates, campaign planning and plenty of wildlife distractions. It was fantastic to hear from members about the incredible work they're all doing to help nature recover across Scotland. Thanks for having us, Bamff!

The Scottish Rewilding Alliance @scotrewilding.bsky.social · 2mo ago

We've written to Gillian Martin and Jim Fairlie, Scotland's new ministers responsible for the natural world, calling for legally binding nature targets, proper investment in restoration, stronger scrutiny of land and sea decisions, fewer barriers to species reintroductions, and one more thing. 🧵1/2

Two men in outdoor gear crouch beside a beaver-felled tree in a woodland to examine it. Dense greenery and trees surround them.

The Scottish Rewilding Alliance @scotrewilding.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Some happy news on #WorldOceanDay: after a decade free from trawling and dredging, the South Arran Marine Protected Area now hosts twice as many species and 3x as many animals as nearby unprotected waters. Proof that ocean recovery works! Read the study: www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...

A crab resting on a seabed covered with green seagrass and pink seaweed (maerl), under clear blue water.

The Scottish Rewilding Alliance @scotrewilding.bsky.social · 2mo ago

The Natural Environment Act means the new Scottish Government must create nature recovery targets. But without someone to make sure they're met, targets risk becoming empty promises. Add your name to our open letter calling for a dedicated #MinisterForNature. ✍️ actionnetwork.org/petitions/sc...

A notebook page titled "Plan for Restoring Scotland's Nature" lists three goals in a checklist: "Pass Natural Environment Act" (checked), "Create nature recovery targets," and "Meet nature recovery targets" (unchecked). The final item about meeting targets is circled with an arrow pointing to a sticky note that says, "Who's responsible for this bit?" A pen rests in the corner.

The Scottish Rewilding Alliance @scotrewilding.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Marine rewilding is attracting academic attention, and we're pleased to have contributed to Ariane Cornerier's PhD research on the subject. Less encouraging is that 92% of Scotland's Marine Protected Areas still allow destructive fishing. Shouldn't protected areas be protected?

A split image with the top half showing a marine landscape at sunset, with calm waters and mountains in the background. Below, a contrasting underwater scene shows murky water with a barren, rocky seabed. Text over the images reads: "Marine Protected Areas? Not Protected."

The Scottish Rewilding Alliance @scotrewilding.bsky.social · 2mo ago

The Scottish Government appoints ministers for health, education, transport and finance. But nature – which underpins our lives – gets left without a dedicated voice. How is that good enough? Sign our open letter calling for a #MinisterForNature. ✍️ bit.ly/49sTDim Illustrations by Ed Harrison

Illustration of a seal among seaweed and bubbles, with the text "Rewilding Nation: Give Nature a Voice in the Scottish Government" against a teal background.

The Scottish Rewilding Alliance @scotrewilding.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Nature recovery and thriving communities should never be treated as opposites. That comes through loud and clear in the latest episode of #TheFutureWithHannahFry, which shines a spotlight on the community-owned Tarras Valley Nature Reserve. Well worth a watch! 👉 www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...

A woman with reddish hair and a confident expression stands in a forest, wearing a teal jacket. Text overlays read: "The Future with Hannah Fry, Series 1: 6. Rewilding." Information about the episode’s duration (24 mins) and availability (over a year) is also visible.

The Scottish Rewilding Alliance @scotrewilding.bsky.social · 3mo ago

SCOTLAND'S NATURE NEEDS A SEAT AT THE TABLE ⚖️📜🏛️🌳🌊📢 Our nature is in crisis 🌍⚡ So this #BiodiversityDay, we're calling on the Scottish Government to appoint a dedicated Nature Minister. Sign our open letter today: 👉 actionnetwork.org/petitions/sc... Nearly 1,000 signatures in 24 hours! 💪

Scotland Needs a Nature Minister

This year Scotland signed off on the Natural Environment Act, setting up a framework to create nature recovery targets. Now, it’s up to the new government to create targets that will lead to the resto...

actionnetwork.org

The Scottish Rewilding Alliance @scotrewilding.bsky.social · 3mo ago

Scotland has legal targets to halt biodiversity loss by 2030 and restore nature by 2045. So why is there nobody in the Scottish Government's new Cabinet whose sole focus is making that happen? Sign our open letter, calling for a dedicated #MinisterForNature. ✍️ actionnetwork.org/petitions/sc...

Scotland Needs a Nature Minister

actionnetwork.org

The Scottish Rewilding Alliance @scotrewilding.bsky.social · 3mo ago

On Thursday 4 June, @scotlink.bsky.social is bringing people together outside Holyrood to demand action for nature – with speakers, live music and a crowd ready to make some noise! More details & sign-up here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/stand-up-f... #NatureRecovery #GenerationRestoration #WildFuture

Stand Up for Nature - 4 June demo outside Scottish parliament

Join us at the Scottish parliament to demand action to restore Scotland's nature.

eventbrite.co.uk

The Scottish Rewilding Alliance @scotrewilding.bsky.social · 3mo ago

We love this piece from @inkcapjournal.bsky.social which cuts through some of the objections around rewilding, including the idea that it should be called something else. If you haven’t already, the full article is well worth a read: 👉 www.inkcap.co.uk/the-welsh-ar...

The Welsh are reclaiming rewilding

Rewilding has been a dirty word in Wales. It's time to embrace it, writes Jon Moses of the Welsh Rewilding Alliance.

inkcap.co.uk

The Scottish Rewilding Alliance @scotrewilding.bsky.social · 3mo ago

Scotland has a new Parliament – and with less than 5 years to hit our 2030 target to be nature positive, the government faces a choice: stick to the status quo or be remembered for bringing nature back to life. We’re calling on every MSP, from every party: let’s make Scotland a #RewildingNation🌳🦫

The Scottish Rewilding Alliance @scotrewilding.bsky.social · 3mo ago

This week, Scotland votes. But what comes next is just as important. Whoever is elected, restoring Scotland’s nature will take all of us pulling in the same direction. If you want to be part of that journey, join our mailing list. 👉 www.rewild.scot/newsletter-s... 📷 @scotlandtbp.bsky.social

A group of seven people working collaboratively in a forest, carrying a large log together. Some are wearing jackets and hats, while two wear high-visibility vests. The group is surrounded by tall pine trees.

The Scottish Rewilding Alliance @scotrewilding.bsky.social · 3mo ago

Ahead of next week's election, our panel of keystone species reviews the Scottish Liberal Democrats manifesto. Want to see nature at the heart of decision-making? Write to your candidate and ask them to support a #RewildingNation. ✍️ rewild.scot/email-your-candidate 📷 @scotlandtbp.bsky.social

A collage of five wildlife images surrounding a white panel with black and orange text reading: "What does the Scottish Lib Dem manifesto mean for nature? Scotland's keystone species respond." The images depict a Eurasian lynx, a wood ant, a beaver, a cluster of oysters underwater and an Atlantic salmon. 🦪 Oyster image © Pouvreau Stephane / Creative Commons. https://doi.org/10.24351/48842

An illustration of five animals – a beaver, salmon, lynx, oyster and ant – beneath a white header saying "Meet our panel." Text set against a beige background reads: "Over the past month, our panel of Scotland’s keystone species has been reviewing election manifestos – to find out what each party is planning for the future of our natural world. Because when nature thrives, so do we. In this final review, the panel turns it attention to the Scottish Liberal Democrat manifesto."

A scorecard infographic, with keystone species rating the Scottish National Party manifesto based on what it delivers for nature. Beaver says: "A dam fine plan to expand and connect Scotland’s forests. But if you want a hand with water quality, woodlands and wetlands, give me the green light too. 3 out of 5 trees." Salmon says: "The commitments to create river catchment plans and introduce a Clean Water Act suggest this plan is flowing in the right direction. 4 out of 5 pebbles." Lynx says: "Plans to expand woodlands and tackle overgrazing by deer look good from a distance. I could help with both, keeping deer moving – but I don’t get a look in. 1 out of 5 paws." Oyster says: "Working closely with coastal communities who know their area best is a good start. But without protecting the seabed, I’m still in harm’s way. 2 out of 5 water drops." Wood ant says: "The commitment to new woodlands with 50% native species is welcome. I just hope they grow into the rich, varied habitats I can live in. 3 out of 5 aphids."

An illustration of a beaver, salmon, ant lynx and oyster beside the title: “Open letter from some overlooked stakeholders." The letter, in black text against a white background, reads: "DEAR CANDIDATES, Some of us live in rivers. Some in forests. Some beneath the waves. But none of us lives separately from you. The water you drink, the food you grow, the air you breathe – all depend on living systems that are under pressure. We know how to create the infrastructure you (and we) need to survive. But your policies decide whether we’re given the chance – whether rivers run clean, forests regenerate, seas recover and missing species return. We’ve seen some ambitious ideas scattered across your manifestos. But we need you to think bigger – to create a joined-up plan that goes beyond protecting a single habitat or species. Let’s be honest. It’s not often that a beaver, a lynx, an oyster, a salmon and an ant find common ground. We only hope that you can do the same, to forge a future where Scotland’s nature is restored, reconnected and – above all – treasured. Because if nature thrives, so do you."

The Scottish Rewilding Alliance @scotrewilding.bsky.social · 3mo ago

Our panel of Scotland’s keystone species delivers its verdict on the SNP manifesto. Don't forget to make your own voice heard by asking your candidate to support a #RewildingNation: ✍️ rewild.scot/email-your-candidate 📷 @scotlandtbp.bsky.social 🦪 Oyster image © P Stephane / doi.org/10.24351/4884

A collage of five wildlife images surrounding a black panel with white text reading: "What does the Scottish National Party manifesto mean for nature? Scotland's keystone species respond." The images depict a Eurasian lynx, a wood ant, a beaver, a cluster of oysters underwater and an Atlantic salmon.

An illustration of five animals – a beaver, salmon, lynx, oyster and ant – beneath a black header saying "Meet our panel." Text set against a beige background reads: "Election manifestos are coming in thick and fast – and we’ve called in some often-overlooked stakeholders to review them, one by one. Who better to score the manifestos for nature than those who depend on it most? Here, the panel takes on the Scottish National Party manifesto."

A scorecard infographic, with keystone species rating the Scottish National Party manifesto based on what it delivers for nature. All five species give a rating, accompanied by a personal comment. Beaver says: "Great to see more targeted support payments that encourage nature and climate-friendly farming. I’m eager to build a future where we all thrive together. 2 out of 5 trees." Salmon says: "There’s recognition I’m under pressure and a commitment to do something about it. Here’s hoping the plan makes a splash and spawns some lasting change. 4 out of 5 pebbles." Lynx says: "I’m a missing piece of the land management puzzle and not mentioned in the manifesto. Bringing me back would show you’re serious about nature’s recovery. 0 out of 5 paws." Oyster says: "A line about supporting improvements in marine protection is a start – but I’ve got a sinking feeling it won’t go far enough to stop seabed destruction. 2 out of 5 water drops." Ant says: "The plan to expand Scotland’s woodlands by 18,000 hectares annually is great – but will forests be managed for nature recovery, allowing me to thrive? 3 out of 5 aphids."

An illustration of a lynx beside the title: “Open letter from one homesick lynx." The letter, in white text against a black background, reads: "DEAR CANDIDATES, I can see that many of you are rooting for Scotland's native forests. Expanding your woodlands is a win for you humans – not to mention all the other animals, plants, and other organisms that call your forests home. I was moved to see the question of my return to Scotland’s landscapes pop up in one manifesto. I may have been missing for a long time – but in so many other countries, I’ve been welcomed back. If you’re pining for more forests, don’t overlook the link between my presence and healthier woodlands. I keep grazing deer on the move, leave leftovers for other animals – and what’s more, I bring the wildness back. I’m poised to come home. Ready when you are.”

The Scottish Rewilding Alliance @scotrewilding.bsky.social · 4mo ago

With the election approaching, some often-overlooked stakeholders give us their view on the Scottish Green manifesto. If nature matters to you, ask your candidate to commit to a #RewildingNation: ✍️ rewild.scot/email-your-candidate 📷 @scotlandtbp.bsky.social Oyster image doi.org/10.24351/48842

A collage with five images of wildlife images surrounding an orange panel with text. The panel reads, "What does the Scottish Green Manifesto mean for nature? Scotland's keystone species respond." The images depict a Eurasian lynx, a wood ant, a beaver swimming, a cluster of oysters underwater, and an Atlantic salmon.

Alt text: An illustration of five animals – a beaver, salmon, lynx, oyster and ant –beneath an orange header saying "Meet our panel." Text is set against a beige background reads: "With the election fast approaching, our panel of keystone species is asking one simple question: if a manifesto doesn’t work for nature, how can it work for us? They’re reviewing each of the main parties’ plans and assessing how well they deliver for nature. Here’s their take on the Scottish Green manifesto."

A scorecard infographic, with keystone species rating the Scottish Green manifesto based on what it delivers for nature. All five species give a rating of 4/5, accompanied by a personal remark. Beaver says: "Tree-mendous to see my role as a river restorer recognised. Plans to ‘speed up’ the reintroduction process would revitalise wetlands and boost biodiversity. 4 out of 5 trees." Salmon says: "The commitment to cooler, freer flowing rivers is fin-tastic for me. I also like the sound of The Clean Water Bill, to help tackle pollution in rivers and lochs. 4 out of 5 pebbles." Lynx says: "Great to see the mention of a managed reintroduction – where there’s community support. I could finally come back to Scotland. 4 out of 5 paws." Oyster says: "Managing seas for the benefit of you and me is a win-win. The proposed low impact fishing zones would be a sea-change – space to breathe at last! 4 out of 5 water drops." Wood ant says: "More native woods = more habitat for me. The ‘wildways’ plan – to link up Scotland’s nature protection sites – would let me branch out into new territories. 4 out of 5 aphids."

An illustration image of an ant appears next to the text "Open letter from one industrious wood ant." Below, an open letter to political candidates is written on an orange background. The letter reads: "Dear candidates, I’ve been dragging these manifestos back to the nest – mostly because they make decent insulation, but also because I wanted to see if anyone’s actually looking at what’s right beneath their feet. You may need a magnifying glass to see us, but we ants are the cleaners, soil-stirrers and security detail for the entire woodland– keeping pests in check and nutrients flowing. Here’s a tip from a hard-working ant: a forest thrives when you pull together. It’s heartening to see so many of you championing our native woodlands; that’s a massive step forward. I just hope that once the voting is over, you can stop competing and start collaborating. Back to the nest for now. Those aphids won’t milk themselves, and I’ve got a forest to manage."

The Scottish Rewilding Alliance @scotrewilding.bsky.social · 4mo ago

The election on 7 May is our opportunity to imagine a different future – where nature, climate and people thrive together. You can help make that happen by emailing your candidate and asking them to sign the #RewildingNation charter. ✍️ www.rewild.scot/email-your-c... Illustrations by Ed Harrison