Rewilding Scotland: Raptors, Deer, and Ecosystem Recovery

Scotland's rewilding movement aims to restore ecological processes through predator recovery, deer management, and native woodland restoration — with significant welfare implications for multiple species.

Key Facts

Scotland has some of Europe's largest deer populations with few natural predators — overgrazing degrades habitat
Golden eagles and white-tailed eagles have recovered strongly in Scotland with legal protection
Pine marten recovery is naturally suppressing grey squirrel populations in some areas
Rewilding projects at Alladale, Mar Lodge, and Trees for Life are demonstrating ecological recovery
Lynx and wolf reintroduction remains controversial but is gaining scientific and public support

Welfare Considerations

Overabundant deer in the absence of predators suffer from winter starvation when populations exceed carrying capacity. Ecologically-driven population regulation through predator recovery provides a more natural welfare equilibrium than annual culling. Individual predation deaths are fast compared to starvation — rewilding may improve aggregate welfare outcomes even as it creates individual predation events.

What You Can Do

Support Trees for Life, Rewilding Britain, and Wild Scotland conservation programs
Advocate for science-based deer management that considers habitat restoration objectives
Donate to Scottish Wildlife Trust and RSPB Scotland habitat and species recovery programs
Engage with the rewilding debate constructively — the evidence is nuanced and improving