Rewilding campaign backed by Dicaprio launches funding bid

A campaign calling for Scotland to become the first Rewilding Nation in the world, backed by Hollywood star Leonardo Dicaprio, is launching a new fundraising drive.

The Scottish Rewilding Alliance, a coalition of more than 20 organisations, is urging the Scottish government to declare Scotland a Rewilding Nation in an effort to boost conservation strategies.

The alliance said that Scotland is one of the most naturedepleted countries in the world but believes that it is possible to re wild 30 percent of it by restoring habitats, including peat lands, native woodlands, wetlands, river sand seas, with no loss of productive farmland.

Actor Leonardo Dicaprio last week backed the campaign in an Instagram post which has been liked almost 100,000 times, saying "With this campaign, Scotland could be a world leader in re wilding its landscapes, ensuring clean air and water, storing carbon, reducing flooding, restoring wildlife, and improving the lives of locals."

Re wilding britain now aims to raise £200,000 for the Rewilding Nation campaign as part of this year' s big give green match Fund, which runs from April 18-25, with all donations up to £100,000 matched by Big Give.

Kevin Cumming, Rewilding Britain's rewilding director and steering group member of the Scottish Rewilding Alliance, said: "We're urging people from all walks of life to support the Rewilding Nation campaign.

"This is about creating a groundswellofhopeforagreener,fairerscotlandinwhichcommunities and nature thrive together.”