Nathan Evans, the popular singer behind the viral sea shanty “Wellerman,” has recently become a major supporter of a powerful campaign pushing for Scotland to be recognized as the world’s first “rewilding nation.” The 28-year-old, hailing from Airdrie, is the latest celebrity to join forces with the Scottish Rewilding Alliance (SRA), following in the footsteps of notable figures such as actor Brian Cox and environmental advocate Leonardo DiCaprio. These public figures are backing the SRA's bold call for the Scottish Government to pledge to rewild 30% of the country's land and seas.
Evans, who has an impressive 2.2 million followers on Instagram and TikTok, shared his passionate support for the cause with his fans. In an emotional post, he said, “I love this place with all my heart and it will forever be home. It influences so much of what I do.” With heartfelt sincerity, he urged his followers to add their voices to the movement by signing the SRA’s Rewilding Nation Charter, giving the Scottish Government a clear message: it’s time to get behind restoring Scotland’s breathtaking landscapes and commit to rewilding 30% of the country’s land and sea.
But what exactly does rewilding mean, and why is it so important for Scotland and the world? Rewilding refers to the process of restoring natural ecosystems to a state where they can thrive and function without constant human intervention. For Scotland, this would involve restoring habitats like peatlands, native woodlands, wetlands, rivers, and seas. Not only would this revitalization benefit the natural environment, but it would also support productive farmland, ensuring a balance between conservation and sustainable agriculture.
The Scottish Rewilding Alliance, a coalition of more than 20 nature-focused organizations, believes this ambitious 30% target is achievable. Evans’ backing comes right after the SRA presented a groundbreaking “vision of hope” document to the Scottish Government, offering a detailed roadmap for how the rewilding plan could become a reality. The proposals outlined in this document include steps such as creating wild zones around rivers and coastlines, restoring vital peatlands and native woodlands, and limiting harmful activities like dredging and bottom trawling in marine protected areas.
In a statement, Steve Micklewright, co-convener of the SRA and CEO of the conservation charity Trees for Life, expressed immense gratitude for Evans' support, calling it a major boost to their efforts. Micklewright hopes Evans’ involvement will inspire thousands more people to lend their names to the Rewilding Nation Charter, ultimately urging the Scottish Government to prioritize nature restoration.
The benefits of rewilding go far beyond the environment. Micklewright emphasized that rewilding can make an immediate and lasting impact on the climate and nature emergencies, while also bringing numerous benefits to people. From creating new job opportunities to improving health outcomes and ensuring cleaner air and water, rewilding could be a game-changer for Scotland’s communities. He went on to say, “We have a golden opportunity for Scotland to become the first country in the world to be declared a rewilding nation.”
For those unfamiliar with the concept, the idea of declaring a nation as “rewilding” might sound revolutionary, but the SRA believes it’s a crucial step forward. By committing to rewilding on such a large scale, Scotland would send a strong message to the world about the importance of restoring our natural world. In practical terms, this means taking bold action to address the challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss, something the SRA believes can be achieved through a combination of legislation, funding, and public support.
The pathway document presented to the government on December 3 outlines a series of actionable steps designed to make this vision a reality. In addition to creating wild zones, the plan calls for integrating nature recovery into protected landscapes and seascapes, supporting farmers and land managers, and investing in nature-based economies. It’s an ambitious plan, but one that offers a hopeful vision for a more sustainable future.
A spokesperson for the Scottish Government welcomed the SRA’s proposals, acknowledging that restoring Scotland’s natural environment is essential for tackling both nature loss and climate change. They pointed to the success of the £65 million Nature Restoration Fund, which has already supported local projects aimed at enhancing nature tourism, improving food production through pollinator projects, and providing greater access to Scotland’s green spaces and marine environments.
The SRA is calling on everyone who cares about the future of Scotland’s nature to get involved by signing the Rewilding Nation Charter. By adding your name, you’ll be showing support for a brighter future for Scotland’s land, seas, and wildlife. Whether you’re a local or someone with a deep love for the Scottish countryside, signing the charter is an easy way to make your voice heard.
As more celebrities like Nathan Evans join the fight, the momentum behind the Rewilding Nation movement is growing stronger. The SRA is confident that if enough people get behind this cause, the Scottish Government will take decisive action to restore Scotland’s natural beauty and protect its diverse ecosystems for generations to come.
So, what can you do to help? Signing the Rewilding Nation Charter is just the beginning. By spreading the word on social media, sharing the cause with friends and family, and engaging with local conservation efforts, you can make a real difference in supporting Scotland’s rewilding journey. After all, when communities come together, great things happen. And who knows? Scotland might just become the world’s first rewilding nation, setting an inspiring example for other countries to follow.
If you’re ready to be part of this exciting movement, head over to rewild.scot/charter to sign the petition and learn more about how you can help make rewilding a reality. Let’s work together to restore Scotland’s wild places and create a better future for people and nature alike.
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