With a long history of supporting environmental initiatives, Wilderness Scotland will support the charity’s ‘Riverwoods’ projects across its Northwoods Rewilding Network. These projects help to create healthy, nature-rich watercourses and riverbanks that will boost biodiversity as well as Scotland’s resilience to climate change.

Wilderness Scotland’s founder, Paul Easto, said: 'We’re committed to creating transformative environmental change, which is why we’re delighted to partner with SCOTLAND: The Big Picture to support river restoration. Together, we’ll help create thriving riverbank woodlands and healthy river systems, benefiting people, communities, and wildlife. Storytelling is key to this collaboration – we want to show our customers the real impact of rewilding, from lush riverbanks teeming with life to the return of species. With its impressive track record in powerful visual storytelling, SCOTLAND: The Big Picture is the perfect partner to share these messages.'

To date, some 274 new wetland features have been created across the Northwoods Rewilding Network, with a series of 20 new water bodies at one particular site leading to a 668% increase in breeding amphibians. More than 200 seed islands have been established to create new woodland corridors of alder, aspen and willow, that shade and nourish the water for vulnerable species such as Atlantic salmon and otters. Elsewhere in the network, river ‘rewiggling’ has slowed the flow of water, creating new habitats and reduced the risk of flooding.

'Many of Scotland's rivers have been straightened, dredged and dammed,' explains Rewilding Investment Lead for SCOTLAND: The Big Picture, Kathleen Slaney. 'Restoring natural river processes on rivers such as the Spey, Dee and Tay, along with their catchments, is one of the most effective ways of boosting wildlife and reducing the impact of climate change, by locking away carbon and reducing flooding. With Wilderness Scotland’s support, rewilded river corridors will provide vital habitat, absorb carbon and improve water quality, delivering real benefits for both people and nature. We’re thrilled to have their support.'

Globally, wetlands are disappearing three times faster than forests, while Scotland’s salmon are now classified as endangered. Restoring the health and function of rivers and wetlands for nature, climate and people has never been more urgent. 
 
Each traveller joining a Wilderness Scotland trip has the chance to support this vital project through participation in the Wilderness Conservation & Community Fund (WCCF), an initiative which allows participants the chance to give back to the environments and communities at the heart of Scotland’s wild places.
 
Find out more about river restoration in Scotland here.

Discover Wilderness Scotland’s range of nature-based trips here.  
 
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