My time in Scotland has taught me that landscapes are never quite what they seem; there are always hidden histories and evolutions to be discovered! Scotland, by and large, is thought of as the most “wild” place in Britain. With its dramatic mountains, heather-covered moors, and many lochs and waterfalls, it has become a popular site for tourists seeking an escape into “wild nature.” It’s not surprising that so many people that travel among the sparsely populated and otherworldly landscapes of the Scottish Highlands feel they have entered a mysterious and enchanting “wilderness.”
But how “wild” is Scotland’s nature, really?
As I have come to find out, not very wild at all. In fact, Scotland is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world, having witnessed massive declines in biodiversity throughout its history, due in large part to the clear-cutting of Scotland’s forests and the widespread transition towards cattle and sheep farming. Only a small fraction of Scotland’s native woodland still remains. Most, if not all, of Scotland’s seemingly “wild” landscapes are in fact the product of centuries of human intervention and management.
Even though the Highlands are very sparsely populated today, adding to the feeling of “untouched wilderness,” this was not always the case.
