The support provided by McGowan Environmental Engineering will help fund the creation of woodland corridors within the Northwoods Rewilding Network – a nationwide network of landholdings committed to nature recovery, led by SCOTLAND: The Big Picture, with more than 65 partners across Scotland, including many that are community owned.

In recognising this support package, SCOTLAND: The Big Picture’s rewilding investment lead Kathleen Slaney emphasised the urgent need for the work, saying: “Many of Scotland’s rivers have been stripped of their natural woodland and are now suffering from rising water temperatures, impacting wild salmon which need cold, clean water.

“This new partnership with McGowan Environmental will enable the establishment of new river woodlands – corridors of aspen, willow and alder – providing food, shade and shelter for fish, locking away carbon and reducing the risk of pollution, flooding and drought.”

Sam Hesling, McGowan’s contracts manager, said: “McGowan Environmental Engineering are pleased to formalise our support for the excellent work being done by SCOTLAND: The Big Picture, as we partner with them to help realise their vision of a vast network of rewilded land and water across the country, where wildlife and people thrive.

“As a leading contracting business, our projects are often located in fragile and protected environments, where we always strive to minimise our impact, increase biodiversity and restore natural habitats. Whether we are undertaking environmental restoration projects or constructing the vital footpaths which connect people with nature, McGowan has many shared values with SCOTLAND: The Big Picture, and so we are looking forward to supporting their vital efforts as part of a long-term partnership.”

Globally, wetlands are disappearing three times faster than forests, while Scotland’s salmon are now classified as endangered, with new data from 2023 revealing their numbers have plummeted to a record low. Restoring the health and function of rivers and wetlands is therefore of the greatest urgency as they offer benefits for nature, climate and people.

As Scotland’s voice for rewilding, SCOTLAND: The Big Picture works to drive the recovery of nature, in response to the growing climate and biodiversity crises. The charity operates the Northwoods Rewilding Network.