“We need to see past old divisions and tackle the crises facing us together”
Tom Bowser of Argaty Red Kites, a conservationist, nature writer and rewilding land manager, is to be the new Co-Convenor of the Scottish Rewilding Alliance (SRA).
Argaty is an upland farm which has been home to the Bowser family since 1916, and to the award-winning Argaty Red Kites project for over 20 years.
Tom joins Dr Karen Blackport, Chair of the community rewilding charity Bright Green Nature, in representing the Scottish Rewilding Alliance. Dr Blackport also owns a market garden and provides produce to local markets.
Together, Tom and Karen represent a growing movement of land managers who see nature restoration and food production not as competing interests, but as parts of the same solution to Scotland’s climate and biodiversity crises. Their combined, hands-on experience underscores the Alliance’s commitment to pragmatic solutions that support both rural livelihoods and ecological health.
Tom Bowser, Co-Convenor of the Scottish Rewilding Alliance, said:
“The conversation around land use in Scotland is often polarised. My work at Argaty has shown me that local livelihoods and economic resilience depend entirely on restoring vibrant, living ecosystems. We need to move past old divisions and tackle the crises facing us together.”
This transition marks the departure of outgoing Co-Convenor Steve Micklewright, CEO of Trees for Life, who will remain on the management team. The other members of the management team are Rea Cris from Open Seas, Kevin Cumming from Rewilding Britain and Lisa Chilton from SCOTLAND: The Big Picture.
Dr Karen Blackport, Co-Convenor of the Scottish Rewilding Alliance, said: “Since 2019, Steve Micklewright has been the SRA’s Convenor and then Co-Convenor. Steve has brought grit, dedication and insight to Scotland’s rewilding movement at a critical time. We all owe him a huge debt of gratitude for his leadership.
“As we look ahead to 2030, rewilding needs to be front and centre as a solution to Scotland’s challenges. If you want to get behind this mission, join us at the Scottish Rewilding Alliance.”
The SRA will continue to advocate for a wilder Scotland, where thriving communities are sustained by healthy ecosystems.
The SRA is calling on individuals, community groups, landowners and organisations across Scotland who share this vision for a wilder, more prosperous country to join the movement. By becoming a member, you help amplify the voice for nature recovery and support practical, land-based solutions on the ground. To join or learn more, visit www.rewild.scot/join
ENDS
Suggested image caption: Beaver restoration champion, Tom Bowser, of Lerrocks Farm and the award-winning Argaty Red Kites project, will be the new Co-Convenor of the Scottish Rewilding Alliance.
Media enquiries:
Sally Wallis
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Charlotte Maddix
07562 913 551
Notes to editors
The Scottish Rewilding Alliance is a coalition of more than 20 organisations working together to help nature recover across Scotland. Founded in 2019, the Alliance works with communities, land managers and policymakers to champion rewilding through evidence-based advocacy, public engagement and collaborative action, with the aim of creating a healthier natural environment and thriving nature-based economies that benefit both people and wildlife.
For more information visit: https://www.rewild.scot/