Hindsight: In Search of Lost Wilderness

Jenna Watt took part in the stalking of a hind on the Highland estate of Corrour in 2019 as part of an immersive attempt to understand the ideas behind 'rewilding' and what it means emotionally and physically to participate in Scotland's deer cull. She unravels the story of that day spent hunting the hind, interlaced with her discovery that her ancestors were deer stalkers, gamekeepers, and ghillies on a Highland estate. This exploration leads her into the complex and often conflict-ridden world of the rewilding movement, where she meets the 'Wolf Man of the Highlands,' a mountain ecologist, landowners reintroducing species, and a female deer stalker.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 04 August 2022
Publisher: Birlinn General

Rewilding is a complex and multifaceted concept that has gained increasing attention in recent years. It involves the deliberate return of native species to their natural habitats, often in an effort to restore ecosystems that have been damaged or degraded by human activities. Rewilding can take many forms, from the reintroduction of large mammals like wolves and bears to the restoration of ecosystems that have been dominated by agriculture or urbanization.

One of the key challenges of rewilding is the need to balance the interests of different stakeholders. While some people advocate for the complete restoration of native species and ecosystems, others argue that rewilding should be approached with caution, as it may have unintended consequences for human populations and the environment.

One of the most prominent advocates of rewilding is Roger Cox, a Scotsman Magazine journalist who has written extensively about the topic. In his book "Rewilding: The Return of Nature to Our Lives," Cox explores the emotional and physical aspects of rewilding, as well as the ethical and philosophical questions that arise from it.

One of the key themes of Cox's book is the idea of ecological grief. This is the emotional response that people experience when they witness the decline or loss of a species or ecosystem that they care about. Ecological grief can be triggered by a variety of factors, including the loss of habitat, the introduction of invasive species, or the decline of a species due to climate change.

Cox argues that ecological grief is an important aspect of the rewilding movement, as it helps people to recognize the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of preserving biodiversity. He also suggests that rewilding can be a powerful tool for healing and resilience, as it allows people to connect with nature and experience the joys of living in a more naturalistic way.

Another important aspect of rewilding is the need to address the shifting baselines of ecosystems. This refers to the gradual changes that occur in ecosystems over time, as a result of human activities such as deforestation, pollution, and climate change. Rewilding can help to restore these shifting baselines, by reintroducing native species and promoting natural processes such as predation and nutrient cycling.

One of the most successful examples of rewilding is the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone National Park in the United States. In the 1990s, wolves were nearly eradicated from the park, but they were reintroduced in 2009 and have since had a significant impact on the ecosystem. Wolves help to control the population of elk and deer, which in turn helps to restore the health of the vegetation and the water quality in the park.

Rewilding also has potential benefits for human health and well-being. Studies have shown that exposure to nature can have a positive impact on mental health, including reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Rewilding projects can also provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and education, which can promote physical health and well-being.

However, rewilding is not without its challenges. One of the biggest challenges is the need to find funding for rewilding projects. Rewilding requires a significant investment in infrastructure, such as fencing and signage, as well as in the management of native species. Many governments and organizations are reluctant to invest in rewilding projects, as they may not see a direct return on investment.

Another challenge is the need to address the concerns of local communities. Rewilding projects can have significant impacts on local ecosystems and communities, such as the loss of farmland or the disruption of hunting and fishing practices. It is important to work with local communities to find solutions that balance the interests of different stakeholders and promote sustainable development.

In conclusion, rewilding is a complex and multifaceted concept that has the potential to restore ecosystems and promote biodiversity. It involves the deliberate return of native species to their natural habitats, often in an effort to restore ecosystems that have been damaged or degraded by human activities. Rewilding can have significant benefits for human health and well-being, as well as for the environment. However, it is important to approach rewilding with caution and to balance the interests of different stakeholders. By working together, we can help to create a more sustainable and healthy future for ourselves and for future generations.
Rewilding is a complex and multifaceted concept that has gained increasing attention in recent years. It involves the deliberate return of native species to their natural habitats, often in an effort to restore ecosystems that have been damaged or degraded by human activities. Rewilding can take many forms, from the reintroduction of large mammals like wolves and bears to the restoration of ecosystems that have been dominated by agriculture or urbanization.

One of the key challenges of rewilding is the need to balance the interests of different stakeholders. While some people advocate for the complete restoration of native species and ecosystems, others argue that rewilding should be approached with caution, as it may have unintended consequences for human populations and the environment.

One of the most prominent advocates of rewilding is Roger Cox, a Scotsman Magazine journalist who has written extensively about the topic. In his book "Rewilding: The Return of Nature to Our Lives," Cox explores the emotional and physical aspects of rewilding, as well as the ethical and philosophical questions that arise from it.

One of the key themes of Cox's book is the idea of ecological grief. This is the emotional response that people experience when they witness the decline or loss of a species or ecosystem that they care about. Ecological grief can be triggered by a variety of factors, including the loss of habitat, the introduction of invasive species, or the decline of a species due to climate change.

Cox argues that ecological grief is an important aspect of the rewilding movement, as it helps people to recognize the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of preserving biodiversity. He also suggests that rewilding can be a powerful tool for healing and resilience, as it allows people to connect with nature and experience the joys of living in a more naturalistic way.

Another important aspect of rewilding is the need to address the shifting baselines of ecosystems. This refers to the gradual changes that occur in ecosystems over time, as a result of human activities such as deforestation, pollution, and climate change. Rewilding can help to restore these shifting baselines, by reintroducing native species and promoting natural processes such as predation and nutrient cycling.

One of the most successful examples of rewilding is the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone National Park in the United States. In the 1990s, wolves were nearly eradicated from the park, but they were reintroduced in 2009 and have since had a significant impact on the ecosystem. Wolves help to control the population of elk and deer, which in turn helps to restore the health of the vegetation and the water quality in the park.

Rewilding also has potential benefits for human health and well-being. Studies have shown that exposure to nature can have a positive impact on mental health, including reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Rewilding projects can also provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and education, which can promote physical health and well-being.

However, rewilding is not without its challenges. One of the biggest challenges is the need to find funding for rewilding projects. Rewilding requires a significant investment in infrastructure, such as fencing and signage, as well as in the management of native species. Many governments and organizations are reluctant to invest in rewilding projects, as they may not see a direct return on investment.

Another challenge is the need to address the concerns of local communities. Rewilding projects can have significant impacts on local ecosystems and communities, such as the loss of farmland or the disruption of hunting and fishing practices. It is important to work with local communities to find solutions that balance the interests of different stakeholders and promote sustainable development.

In conclusion, rewilding is a complex and multifaceted concept that has the potential to restore ecosystems and promote biodiversity. It involves the deliberate return of native species to their natural habitats, often in an effort to restore ecosystems that have been damaged or degraded by human activities. Rewilding can have significant benefits for human health and well-being, as well as for the environment. However, it is important to approach rewilding with caution and to balance the interests of different stakeholders. By working together, we can help to create a more sustainable and healthy future for ourselves and for future generations.

Weight: 338g
Dimension: 144 x 224 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781780277455