Charles Dundas

7 things we want to see in today’s Programme for Government. Scotland’s biodiversity is in crisis – and today’s Programme for Government is a key test of this government's ambition and willingness to set us on the pathway to a Rewilding Nation. Here’s what we’re hoping to see: 1️⃣ A cross-government commitment to rewild 30% of Scotland’s land and sea 2️⃣ Nature recovery becoming the primary purpose of our national parks 3️⃣ Support for wildlife coexistence, continued commitment to the Scottish Beaver Strategy and reasoned debate over lynx reintroductions 4️⃣ An ambition to double native woodland, with natural regeneration as the default approach and a coordinated push on deer management 5️⃣ Immediate restrictions on bottom trawling and dredging in Marine Protected Areas 6️⃣ Accelerated training and apprenticeships to grow Scotland’s green workforce 7️⃣ Greater community participation in decisions about land and sea management We’ll be looking closely to see if today’s Programme for Government delivers on these hopes – because Scotland’s nature, climate and communities can’t afford for it not to. Illustrations by @_EdHarrison #RewildingNation #ProgrammeForGovernment