Rewilding and repeopling in Scotland: Large-scale land managers' perspectives and practices. (August 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dolton-Thornton, Nathaniel
• Is Part Of: Journal of rural studies. Volume 86(2021)
• Page Start: 36
• Page End: 45
• Publication Date: 2021-08
• Subjects: Rewilding -- Repopulation -- Depopulation -- Scotland -- Political ecology -- Territorialisation; Sociology, Rural -- Periodicals; Country life -- Periodicals; Rural development -- Periodicals; Land use, Rural -- Planning -- Periodicals; Rural conditions -- Periodicals; Sociologie rurale -- Périodiques; Vie rurale -- Périodiques; Développement rural -- Périodiques; Sol, Utilisation agricole du -- Planification -- Périodiques; Conditions rurales -- Périodiques; Country life; Land use, Rural -- Planning; Rural conditions; Rural development; Sociology, Rural; Periodicals; 307.72
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jrurstud.2021.05.010
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0743-0167

Abstract

Abstract: In this paper, I examine two alternative responses to the depopulation of marginal rural areas: 'repeopling' (repopulation) and 'rewilding' (often defined as ecosystem restoration via mammal reintroductions). Specifically, I aim to clarify large-scale land managers' perspectives on rewilding and repeopling, as well as how these perspectives relate to their land management practices. I focus my research on Scotland for three reasons: (1.) it is a country with significant marginal rural areas; (2.) it hosts many large-scale landowners; and (3.) 'rewilding' and 'repeopling' are present in the country's political discourse. To answer my research questions, I conducted structured interviews with eight large-scale land managers (representing conservation NGOs, community land trusts, and private estates) in a single marginal rural area in the Scottish Highlands. I conducted a thematic analysis of their perspectives on rewilding and repeopling, as well as their land management practices. In relation to perspectives, I found that 'rewilding' is a controversial term in the study site, and this controversy seems in part to relate to the term's diverse, often ambiguous, interpretations. Repeopling was more broadly supported, though with qualifications. In relation to land management practices, I found that conservation activities were dominant in the study site. From a political ecological perspective, the prominence of conservation activities even on lands managed by interviewees who opposed rewilding might be seen as an example of territorialisation by conservation actors. In contrast, one interviewee focused on renewable energy development which, by bridging conservation and repopulation concerns, could be interpreted as an instance of counterterritorialisation. Highlights: Highlights for "Rewilding and repeopling in Scotland: large-scale land managers' perspectives and practices". 'Rewilding' is a controversial term in this study site. 'Repeopling' is more broadly supported, though with qualifications. Available funding steers land management towards conservation activities. Renewable energy offers a controversial alternative to conservation activities.