New Alliances Make Rewilding Possible

A growing coalition of landowners, communities, and conservationists in Scotland is expanding rewilding across the Affric Highlands, with Glen Affric National Nature Reserve joining as the 20th official partner.

“This is a huge step forward for the entire landscape,” said Stephanie Kiel, executive director of Rewilding Affric Highlands. “It strengthens efforts to create a region richer in nature, with new opportunities for people who live and work here.”

The partnership now covers over 200,000 hectares, uniting 21 landowners who are restoring pinewoods, peatlands, and rivers while supporting sustainable forestry, farming, and nature-based tourism. Recent reintroductions, including beavers in Glen Affric, are reviving natural processes and boosting biodiversity, marking a major stride toward a wilder, more resilient Highlands.