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STV News
4 days ago
- Politics
- STV News
Scottish Government accused of shutting door on rewilding and beaver restoration
The Scottish Government has been criticised for cancelling a meeting about beaver restoration and failing to schedule a replacement, with activists warning that the 'door is shutting' on biodiversity. A meeting with the Scottish Rewilding Alliance, a coalition of more than 20 organisations, and former Minister for Climate Action Dr Alasdair Allan MSP, was scheduled for Wednesday but was cancelled without being rescheduled. It was expected to discuss concerns over 'stalled progress' on the recovery of beaver populations and the need for 'courageous' leadership by ministers and government agency, NatureScot, however Dr Allan left government earlier this month. The coalition warned that biodiversity risked being 'marginalised' ahead of the Holyrood elections in 2026, despite high profile support for a bid for Scotland to become a 'rewilding nation' including from actors Leonardo DiCaprio and Brian Cox. In December 2024, Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS), in partnership with rewilding charity Trees for Life, submitted a licence application to NatureScot to release a family of beavers on its land in Glen Affric in the Highlands, after two years of extensive consultations. PA Media The release had been proposed for Glen Affric (Alamy/PA). Beavers create wetlands, soak up carbon dioxide, purify water and reduce flooding, and can bring in tourism, and polls showed 80% of people think the Scottish Government should support rewilding, according to the charities. In April, NatureScot delayed a decision on granting a licence for a community-backed proposal to reintroduce beavers, citing concern, despite previously describing engagement as exemplary and the proposal as in line with policy. Surveys showed that two-thirds of people surveyed support the beaver reintroduction, during two years of research, according to the coalition. But a Freedom of Information request revealed it was perceived by a NatureScot official as 'novel and contentious' and was referred to ministers, with a decision was delayed after lobbying, the charities claimed. It was said to have prompted an intervention by local MSP and deputy first minister Kate Forbes, who is said to have raised the case with Mairi Gougeon MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, according to a Freedom of Information request from investigative journalism publication the Ferret. The coalition said it was concerned that NatureScot 'is being hobbled by political game-playing ahead of an election year', and appeasing others, including from National Farmers Union Scotland. Steve Micklewright, chief executive of Trees for Life, said: 'Beavers have been present in the catchment for 15 years with no issues. 'The Glen Affric community is overwhelmingly in favour of an official reintroduction, and NatureScot officials described the public engagement as exemplary and 'above and beyond'. 'NatureScot also tells us that it fully endorses the environmental case for beaver restoration in Glen Affric. So what is going on? 'This is bigger than a single family of beavers finding a new home on a national nature reserve. 'Why does the government keep marginalising efforts to restore biodiversity to satisfy vested interests? Can NatureScot show leadership and vision on large-scale nature recovery in the face of anti-nature lobbying?' Karen Blackport, the Scottish Rewilding Alliance's co-convenor and chief executive of Bright Green Nature, said: 'The Scottish Government's approach on beavers is a symptom of a bigger problem. It's failing to take its biodiversity commitments seriously, and there are worrying questions around consistency, fairness and transparency in decision-making. 'Scotland has no need to languish as one of the world's most nature-depleted countries – but we are lagging on nature recovery where we should be leading.' Kevin Cumming, Rewilding Britain's rewilding director and deputy convenor of the Scottish Rewilding Alliance, said: 'Rewilding offers hope for tackling the nature and climate emergencies, and a wealth of social and economic benefits for communities from jobs to health. 'Large-scale nature recovery should be prioritised not marginalised. 'If the Government is truly committed to protecting 30% of Scotland for nature by 2030 then it needs to stop shutting the door in the face of rewilding organisations.' NatureScot director of green economy Robbie Kernahan said: 'NatureScot is committed to expanding the beaver population across Scotland for the benefit of biodiversity, in line with Scotland's Beaver Strategy. 'A huge amount of work has been taking place to ensure this, and a lot of progress has been made, with the population of beavers in Scotland expanding and their range increasing accordingly.' A spokesman for the Scottish Government said: 'Dr Alasdair Allan has left his position as minister for climate action. Obviously, as a result he is not in a position to take forward government meetings and time for a rescheduled meeting with the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action Gillian Martin has been offered. 'The Scottish Government is committed to the reintroduction of beaver populations where appropriate and our groundbreaking Nature Restoration Fund has supported hundreds of projects helping species, woodlands, rivers and seas. We are working with rural communities to ensure where species reintroductions are being considered land managers are carefully consulted.' 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The National
4 days ago
- Politics
- The National
Scottish Government accused of shutting door on rewilding projects
A meeting with the Scottish Rewilding Alliance, a coalition of more than 20 organisations, and former Minister for Climate Action Dr Alasdair Allan MSP, was scheduled for Wednesday but was cancelled without being rescheduled. THE Scottish Government has been criticised for cancelling a meeting about beaver restoration and failing to schedule a replacement, with activists warning that the 'door is shutting' on biodiversity. It was expected to discuss concerns over 'stalled progress' on the recovery of beaver populations and the need for 'courageous' leadership by ministers and government agency, NatureScot, however Dr Allan left government earlier this month. The coalition warned that biodiversity risked being 'marginalised' ahead of the Holyrood elections in 2026, despite high profile support for a bid for Scotland to become a 'rewilding nation' including from actors Leonardo DiCaprio and Brian Cox. READ MORE: Palestine Action activist rejects Home Secretary's Glasgow protest claim In December 2024, Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS), in partnership with rewilding charity Trees for Life, submitted a licence application to NatureScot to release a family of beavers on its land in Glen Affric in the Highlands, after two years of extensive consultations. Beavers create wetlands, soak up carbon dioxide, purify water and reduce flooding, and can bring in tourism, and polls showed 80% of people think the Scottish Government should support rewilding, according to the charities. In April, NatureScot delayed a decision on granting a licence for a community-backed proposal to reintroduce beavers, citing concern, despite previously describing engagement as exemplary and the proposal as in line with policy. Surveys showed that two-thirds of people surveyed support the beaver reintroduction, during two years of research, according to the coalition. But a Freedom of Information request revealed it was perceived by a NatureScot official as 'novel and contentious' and was referred to ministers, with a decision was delayed after lobbying, the charities claimed. It was said to have prompted an intervention by local MSP and deputy first minister Kate Forbes, who is said to have raised the case with Mairi Gougeon MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, according to a Freedom of Information request from investigative journalism publication the Ferret. The coalition said it was concerned that NatureScot 'is being hobbled by political game-playing ahead of an election year', and appeasing others, including from National Farmers Union Scotland. Steve Micklewright, chief executive of Trees for Life, said: 'Beavers have been present in the catchment for 15 years with no issues. 'The Glen Affric community is overwhelmingly in favour of an official reintroduction, and NatureScot officials described the public engagement as exemplary and 'above and beyond'. 'NatureScot also tells us that it fully endorses the environmental case for beaver restoration in Glen Affric. So what is going on? 'This is bigger than a single family of beavers finding a new home on a national nature reserve. 'Why does the government keep marginalising efforts to restore biodiversity to satisfy vested interests? Can NatureScot show leadership and vision on large-scale nature recovery in the face of anti-nature lobbying?' Karen Blackport, the Scottish Rewilding Alliance's co-convenor and chief executive of Bright Green Nature, said: 'The Scottish Government's approach on beavers is a symptom of a bigger problem. It's failing to take its biodiversity commitments seriously, and there are worrying questions around consistency, fairness and transparency in decision-making. 'Scotland has no need to languish as one of the world's most nature-depleted countries – but we are lagging on nature recovery where we should be leading.' Kevin Cumming, Rewilding Britain's rewilding director and deputy convenor of the Scottish Rewilding Alliance, said: 'Rewilding offers hope for tackling the nature and climate emergencies, and a wealth of social and economic benefits for communities from jobs to health. 'Large-scale nature recovery should be prioritised not marginalised. 'If the Government is truly committed to protecting 30% of Scotland for nature by 2030 then it needs to stop shutting the door in the face of rewilding organisations.' NatureScot director of green economy Robbie Kernahan said: 'NatureScot is committed to expanding the beaver population across Scotland for the benefit of biodiversity, in line with Scotland's Beaver Strategy. 'A huge amount of work has been taking place to ensure this, and a lot of progress has been made, with the population of beavers in Scotland expanding and their range increasing accordingly.'
Epoch Times
27-05-2025
- General
- Epoch Times
Lynx Likely to Predate on Sheep and Lambs If Reintroduced, Study Finds
Lynx are likely to prey on sheep and lambs if they are reintroduced in Scotland but could bring environmental and economic benefits, according to a report. Scotland's National Lynx Discussion found sheep and other small livestock in or near wooded areas are more vulnerable to such predation. It suggested an effective management system could include paying farmers for losses and co-existence, with relocation or lethal control as 'necessary components' of any framework to manage the issue. The report also found lynx could have a 'significant' impact on gamebirds in places where the species come into contact, though they are unlikely to play a major part in the animals' diet at a national level. But it found there is 'sufficient quantity and quality of habitat' in Scotland to support a viable lynx population. The report said the predators, while not a 'silver bullet,' could help with deer population control and could help other species. Related Stories 2/17/2025 1/11/2025 The report outlines conclusions and recommendations agreed following a nine-month discussion which involved 53 stakeholders including farming and landowner organisations, gamekeepers, conservationists, foresters, and tourism operators. The National Lynx Discussion was organised by the Lynx to Scotland partnership which is assessing the feasibility of reintroducing the Eurasian lynx to the Scottish Highlands for the first time in about 1,300 years. Steve Micklewright, chief executive of Trees for Life and a member of the stakeholder group, said: 'We met 12 times for over 50 hours in total. Deep and extensive discussions allowed us to learn lessons from lynx reintroductions in Europe, assess possible impacts if lynx are returned to Scotland, and recommend key actions to avoid or manage potential problems. 'While not everyone who took part supports the return of lynx, we now have a clear understanding of what needs to be put in place if a reintroduction is to happen. 'The Lynx to Scotland partnership must now work out if and how the recommendations can be delivered, and take that out to local consultation when we have clear proposals.' When considering the impact on deer populations the report said that lynx could help achieve a more 'natural balance of species' within the ecosystem, though noted that they are unlikely to replace culling by humans or the impact of weather. They may also have a positive impact on species of conservation concern such as capercaillie, black grouse, and wildcats by preying on 'mesopredators,' particularly foxes. Lynx kittens at Wild Place Project in Bristol, England, in an undated file photo. Ben Birchall/PA The report acknowledged there might be 'some concern around the public safety aspect of having a large carnivore in the landscape.' However, it noted lynx are 'secretive animals which are rarely encountered by humans in the wild in their current natural range' and said there are no recorded instances of healthy lynx attacking people. The report stated lynx pose no realistic threat to humans and said the predators 'should not discourage anyone from letting their children play in the woods.' It also noted that despite their elusive nature, the presence of lynx could boost income from tourism. Evidence from Europe suggests merely the knowledge that a large carnivore exists in the landscape is enough to increase visitor numbers and significantly increase tourism income, according to the report. Any reintroduction of lynx would need approval from the Scottish Government, which would follow ecological assessments and a full public consultation. Stakeholder group member Andrew Bauer, who has experience of species reintroduction policy in Scotland, said, 'Our recommendations aim to address the fact that we agreed there could be negative impacts on some rural livelihoods if lynx were reintroduced without proper checks and balances to prevent problems or manage them.' Lynx to Scotland is a partnership between Trees for Life, Scotland: The Big Picture and the Lifescape Project.
The National
23-05-2025
- General
- The National
Could lynx return to Scotland? 10 key insights from new analysis
The report outlined several conclusions and recommendations agreed following a nine-month discussion which involved 53 stakeholders, including farming and landowner organisations, gamekeepers, conservationists, foresters and tourism operators. The most likely and challenging impacts could be to sheep farming, and this was a major topic of discussion throughout the process. READ MORE: Scotland 'on course for an unjust transition' from oil and gas, report warns Ten key points include: There is plenty of suitable woodland and natural prey for a viable population of lynx to be established in the Highlands. Lynx pose no realistic threat to humans. There are positive economic benefits, mainly through eco-tourism. Some endangered wildlife like capercaillie might benefit due to lynx taking smaller predators, especially foxes. Lynx would take sheep and game birds such as pheasants in Scotland. Their reintroduction might affect forestry operations due to lynx having protected species status. Lynx should not be thought of as a "silver bullet" to provide natural deer control. Upland red deer stalking interests should be little affected. There are potential wellbeing benefits by returning a sense of wildness to the landscape. The project could provide hope for tackling the nature and climate emergencies. Steve Micklewright, chief executive of Trees for Life and a member of the stakeholder group, said: 'We met 12 times for over 50 hours in total. Deep and extensive discussions allowed us to learn lessons from lynx reintroductions in Europe, assess possible impacts if lynx are returned to Scotland, and recommend key actions to avoid or manage potential problems. 'While not everyone who took part supports the return of lynx, we now have a clear understanding of what needs to be put in place if a reintroduction is to happen. 'The lynx to Scotland partnership must now work out if and how the recommendations can be delivered, and take that out to local consultation when we have clear proposals.' When considering the impact on deer populations the report said that lynx could help achieve a more 'natural balance of species' within the ecosystem, though noted that they are unlikely to replace culling by humans or the impact of weather. They may also have a positive impact on species of conservation concern such as capercaillie, black grouse and wildcats by preying on 'mesopredators', particularly foxes. The report acknowledged that there might be 'some concern around the public safety aspect of having a large carnivore in the landscape.' READ MORE: Incredibly rare whale spotted on Scottish west coast 'for first time in 20 years' However, it noted that lynx are 'secretive animals which are rarely encountered by humans in the wild in their current natural range' and said there are no recorded instances of healthy lynx attacking people. The report stated that lynx pose no realistic threat to humans and said the predators 'should not discourage anyone from letting their children play in the woods'. It also noted that despite their elusive nature the presence of lynx could boost income from tourism. Evidence from Europe suggests that merely the knowledge that a large carnivore exists in the landscape is enough to increase visitor numbers and significantly increase tourism income, according to the report. Any reintroduction of lynx would need approval from the Scottish Government, which would follow ecological assessments and a full public consultation. Stakeholder group member Andrew Bauer, who has experience of species reintroduction policy in Scotland, said: 'Our recommendations aim to address the fact that we agreed there could be negative impacts on some rural livelihoods if lynx were reintroduced without proper checks and balances to prevent problems or manage them.' Lynx to Scotland is a partnership between Trees for Life, Scotland: The Big Picture and the Lifescape Project.
The Herald Scotland
23-05-2025
- General
- The Herald Scotland
Lynx likely to predate on sheep and lambs if reintroduced, study finds
It suggested an effective management system could include paying farmers for losses and co-existence, with relocation or lethal control as 'necessary components' of any framework to manage the issue. The report also found lynx could have a 'significant' impact on gamebirds in places where the species come into contact, though they are unlikely to play a major part in the animals' diet at a national level. But it found there is 'sufficient quantity and quality of habitat' in Scotland to support a viable lynx population. The report said the predators, while not a 'silver bullet', could help with deer population control and could help other species. The report outlines conclusions and recommendations agreed following a nine-month discussion which involved 53 stakeholders including farming and landowner organisations, gamekeepers, conservationists, foresters and tourism operators. Lynx to Scotland: A new 100-page report provides the most detailed analysis yet of what a #LynxReintroduction project in Scotland would need to do to ensure #lynx and people could coexist. 🐆 It outlines conclusions and recommendations from Scotland's National Lynx Discussion -… — Trees for Life (@treesforlifeuk) May 23, 2025 The National Lynx Discussion was organised by the Lynx to Scotland partnership which is assessing the feasibility of reintroducing the Eurasian lynx to the Scottish Highlands for the first time in about 1,300 years. Steve Micklewright, chief executive of Trees for Life and a member of the stakeholder group, said: 'We met 12 times for over 50 hours in total. Deep and extensive discussions allowed us to learn lessons from lynx reintroductions in Europe, assess possible impacts if lynx are returned to Scotland, and recommend key actions to avoid or manage potential problems. 'While not everyone who took part supports the return of lynx, we now have a clear understanding of what needs to be put in place if a reintroduction is to happen. 'The Lynx to Scotland partnership must now work out if and how the recommendations can be delivered, and take that out to local consultation when we have clear proposals.' When considering the impact on deer populations the report said that lynx could help achieve a more 'natural balance of species' within the ecosystem, though noted that they are unlikely to replace culling by humans or the impact of weather. They may also have a positive impact on species of conservation concern such as capercaillie, black grouse and wildcats by preying on 'mesopredators', particularly foxes. The report acknowledged there might be 'some concern around the public safety aspect of having a large carnivore in the landscape.' Lynx were driven to extinction in the UK hundreds of years ago (Ben Birchall/PA) However, it noted lynx are 'secretive animals which are rarely encountered by humans in the wild in their current natural range' and said there are no recorded instances of healthy lynx attacking people. The report stated lynx pose no realistic threat to humans and said the predators 'should not discourage anyone from letting their children play in the woods'. It also noted that despite their elusive nature, the presence of lynx could boost income from tourism. Evidence from Europe suggests merely the knowledge that a large carnivore exists in the landscape is enough to increase visitor numbers and significantly increase tourism income, according to the report. Any reintroduction of lynx would need approval from the Scottish Government, which would follow ecological assessments and a full public consultation. Stakeholder group member Andrew Bauer, who has experience of species reintroduction policy in Scotland, said: 'Our recommendations aim to address the fact that we agreed there could be negative impacts on some rural livelihoods if lynx were reintroduced without proper checks and balances to prevent problems or manage them.' Lynx to Scotland is a partnership between Trees for Life, Scotland: The Big Picture and the Lifescape Project.
