Response to Scotland’s Fourth Land Use Consultation
Scotland’s Land Use Strategy is a chance to rethink how we use and value our land – and to embed rewilding into the heart of Scotland’s land use approach.
Rewilding is the large-scale restoration of nature to the point where it can take care of itself — and it’s gaining real traction in Scotland, with a growing evidence base that shows it can restore biodiversity quickly and at scale. That’s why we worked with the Scottish Rewilding Alliance to respond to the Scottish government’s consultation on its Fourth Land Use Strategy.
The Scottish Rewilding Alliance – of which Rewilding Britain is a member – is leading the way with its campaign to make Scotland the world’s first Rewilding Nation. The movement has captured international attention, with high-profile support from figures like Alan Cumming, Brian Cox and Leonardo DiCaprio. More importantly, over 80% of Scots now want more action on rewilding from the Scottish government.
Yet despite this groundswell of support, rewilding continues to be overlooked. We urgently need government support and regulation to help us meet our ambitious climate and nature goals.
That’s why the Scottish government’s consultation on the Fourth Land Use Strategy is a critical moment. It’s a chance to rethink how we use and value our land – and to embed rewilding into the heart of Scotland’s land use approach.
What it is
Scotland’s Fourth Land Use Strategy is a government plan that sets out how the country will use its land to meet important goals like tackling climate change, protecting nature, supporting communities and growing the economy. It aims to balance different land uses — such as farming, forestry, housing and renewable energy — in a fair and sustainable way. It was open to the public for consultation until 5 October 2025 to help shape the final strategy, which will be published in 2026.
Why it matters
Scotland’s Fourth Land-Use Strategy is an important opportunity to reassess our direction of travel and begin to plan for the long term future of nature recovery in Scotland.
By responding to the consultation on the strategy, we had the opportunity to ensure that rewilding is central to Scotland’s future land use approach. Delivering both climate solutions and a richer, wilder Scotland abundant in life is possible — those in power just need to decide to do it.
Read the Scottish Rewilding Alliance's Consultation response
Download pdf
80%
of Scots think the Scottish government should take rewilding action
What we’re calling for
Rewilding across 30% of Scotland is critical if we are to respond effectively to the interconnected nature and climate emergencies. This is not just about restoring ecosystems – it’s about ensuring sustainable production of essentials like food and timber.
Access to thriving nature also benefits our physical and mental health, strengthens communities and supports a resilient economy. It’s time we recognise that in many parts of Scotland, prioritising environmental, community and climate benefits is not just viable – it’s essential. In the right places, rewilding is a productive and strategic use of land that benefits everyone.
The Scottish Rewilding Alliance is urging the government to:
- Create rewilding areas across 30% of Scotland by 2030
We need areas where the acknowledged primary outcomes are nature, climate and environment benefits, in line with 30by30 commitments.
- Introduce a new Rewilding Nation Bill
This legislation would make Scotland the first country in the world to commit in law to rewilding at scale, ensuring continuity across political cycles and a clear framework to follow.
- Put nature at the heart of land-use planning
The Land Use Strategy must prioritise nature recovery as a core land-use outcome, not an afterthought.
What you can do
We need your voice to help us show the Scottish Government how much public support there is for bold rewilding action.
Please sign the Rewilding Nation Charter today. Every signature proves that the people of Scotland and beyond think land for nature’s sake matters.
Together, we can make Scotland the world’s first Rewilding Nation.
Sign the Rewilding Nation Charter
We’re calling on everyone who shares our hopes and vision to urge the Scottish Government to declare Scotland the world’s first Rewilding Nation and commit to nature recovery across 30% of our land and seas.
