WILDLIFE organisations have called on politicians to “step up” on nature restoration, warning the Scottish government’s rewilding targets are set to be hit six decades late.

The Scottish Rewilding Alliance (SRA), comprising more than 20 groups, said almost 200 rewilding projects are currently under way across 2.5 per cent or 195,615 hectares of the country, up 32,985 on last year’s figure of 2.1 per cent.

At the current rate of progress however, the Scottish government’s target of restoring the natural environment in 30 per cent of Scotland won’t be hit until 2090 — 60 years after the intended date of 2030. 

SRA co-convener Steve Micklewright, of Trees for Life, said: “Urgent political action is needed.

“Leaving it until 2090 before Scotland can benefit from nature recovery across 30 per cent of its land is something we can’t afford.

“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 repeopling, and ensuring clean air and water, and healthy rivers and seas.”

Alliance co-convener Karen Blackport, of Bright Green Nature, added: “With political leadership in line with its international commitments, Scotland could become a world leader in nature recovery — the opportunities and benefits are huge.

“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.”

A Scottish government spokesperson said: “Restoring Scotland’s natural environment is a key way that we can help address the twin challenges of nature loss and climate change, including many of the interventions championed by the SRA.

“Our £65 million Nature Restoration Fund has committed nearly £40 million since 2021 to unlock the full potential that nature restoration projects can bring to communities.”