The Traitors, X-Men and Avengers star announces his support for Rewilding Nation campaign to his 750,000 followers on Instagram.
The Traitors, X-Men and Avengers star Alan Cumming has backed a campaign calling on the Scottish government to declare Scotland the world’s first Rewilding Nation and commit to rewilding 30% of the country’s land and seas.
The acclaimed Scottish theatre and movie actor, who has just wrapped filming his role as mutant X-Man Nightcrawler in next year’s Avengers: Doomsday movie, the latest instalment of the blockbuster Marvel franchise has posted a call for action to his 750,000 Instagram followers.
Speaking about why he is supporting the campaign, Alan said:
“Scotland could have more forests, healthier seas, and lusher wildlife.
“Rewilding is how we can make that happen, bringing with it balance, hope, and fantastic opportunity, creating jobs, teaching new skills, and bringing people together to look after Scotland’s future.”
The comments come as more than 100 people from across Scotland will gather outside the Scottish parliament on 1 October to draw attention to the barriers holding back rewilding.
Rewilding 30% of Scotland can be achieved by restoring habitats including peatlands, native woodlands, wetlands, rivers and seas, while maintaining and benefiting productive farmland, says the Scottish Rewilding Alliance.
Polling shows that 80% of Scots think the Scottish Government should have policies in place to support rewilding.
Steve Micklewright, co-convenor of the Scottish Rewilding Alliance and chief executive of charity Trees for Life, said:
“We’re thrilled that Alan has added his voice to the growing calls for Scotland to declare itself a Rewilding Nation.
“Rewilding offers hopes for tackling the nature and climate emergencies, and can bring a cascade of benefits for people, including jobs, improved health, and clean air and water.”
Scotland is ranked one of the world’s most nature-depleted countries.
Research shows that intensive agriculture and climate breakdown are having the biggest impacts on habitats and wildlife, with other threats including non-native forestry, pollution, and introduced species.
The Scottish Rewilding Alliance says declaring Scotland a Rewilding Nation would lead to meaningful action with ministers committing to restoring the natural environment through legislation and funding to enable rewilding and empower local communities.
The Alliance’s Rewilding Nation pathway includes proposals to make nature recovery the primary purpose of protected landscapes and seascapes, establishing wild zones around rivers and coastlines, doubling native woodland cover, restoring peatlands, and restricting dredging and bottom trawling across Marine Protected Areas.
The proposals champion the crucial role of people and communities, and include action for coexisting with wildlife, support for land managers and farmers, and investment in nature-based economies, jobs and skills.
Recovery targets would ensure habitat restoration, and increases in species abundance and diversity.
The Rewilding Nation Charter at www.rewild.scot/charter, calling on the Scottish Government to declare Scotland a rewilding nation, has been signed by thousands of people.
The campaign has been backed by high-profile names including Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio, actor Brian Cox, singer Nathan Evans, and activist Laura Young (Less Waste Laura).
For details about the event outside the Scottish parliament on 1 October, please click HERE
