Press Release Archive
Urgent Call to Save UK Wildlife Icons
7/27/2011
An urgent call to save some of the UK’s most iconic species has been made today (27th July 2010) with the publication of a new book.
Caledonia – Scotland’s Heart of Pine, focuses on the need to nurture and expand the country’s wild forests in order for the population of pure red deer not to face extinction within the next 50 years; so that Britain’s rarest mammal – the wildcat - increases in number from the present, incredibly low figure of 400; and in order to save the capercaillie – the world’s largest grouse and Britain’s fastest declining bird (with just over 1,000 left).
With only 1% of Scotland’s wild forest left, authors, Peter Cairns and Niall Benvie, are calling for immediate action to begin to conserve and expand the country’s pinewoods in order to save these inspirational species as well as the red squirrel, pine marten, crested tit, osprey and golden eagle.
Peter Cairns, explains: “Reconnecting native forests at a landscape scale really does offer the best possibility to prevent extinction of these emblematic species. Scotland is incredibly privileged to be home to an array of majestic mammals and beautiful birds, but these species are simply part of a complex jigsaw, a jigsaw that urgently needs putting back together. At the moment Scotland's forests are like an engine running without oil. It is vital that we act now. This tiny 1% of original wildwood that does remain is basically made up of scattered, fragmented islands that are too small and isolated to function, as they should. A revitalised, re-connected, even rewilded forest, is something that we can all benefit from.”
Caledonia, which has been published to coincide with the UN International Year of Forests, and has a foreword by IUCN Director General, Julia Marton-Lefèvre, combines powerful and evocative imagery of Scotland’s forests, wildlife and landscapes by Peter Cairns with insightful and inspiring essays by Niall Benvie.
The flagship book showcases the beauty of the Caledonian forest and promotes the concept of forest rewilding and all the social, cultural, ecological and economic benefits this could bring.
As Niall Benvie comments in the book: “We have seen many regeneration schemes revitalise tired city centres at huge expense, now it is time to do the same for our empty glens.”
The book contains detailed, yet digestible and interesting accounts of the turbulent history of forest cover in Scotland and charts humans’ relationship with the Wildwood and its indigenous creatures. It also contains case study interviews with land managers already overseeing landscape scale native forest restoration, as well as a well-researched reference list for further information.
Caledonia is a celebration of this unique and vulnerable forest and the species within it, but it is also a reminder to us all – including those responsible for what Scotland’s landscape will look like 100 years from now – that we must begin to act now if we are to change the outlook for the future of these fascinating creatures.
CALEDONIA – SCOTLAND’S HEART OF PINE - By Niall Benvie & Peter Cairns is published by Northshots Hardback original, price £20.00
Foreword by IUCN Director General, Julia Marton-Lefèvre
ENDS
For further information, review copies and interviews please contact Charlotte Kissack at Rock Solid PR on 01479 898001, email charlotte@rocksolidpr.co.uk
Notes to Editors
- Images of the book are available from Rex features, the NPL or Charlotte Kissack at Rock Solid PR on 01479 898001
- Peter Cairns and Niall Benvie are available for interview. Please contact Charlotte Kissack at Rock Solid PR on 01479 898001
- Book will be available from www.northshots.com
- Peter Cairns - Based in the heart of Scotland’s Cairngorms National Park. Peter is an award-winning nature photographer with a deep fascination for our relationship with the natural world. In addition to documenting Europe’s high profile wildlife species, Peter covers a diverse range of topical conservation stories, especially those with a human dynamic. Peter authors regular illustrated features and has co-authored four books on Europe’s wildlife and our relationship with it. He was one of the co-founders of the widely acclaimed Tooth & Claw predator project. More recently, Peter has worked as Business Director for Wild Wonders of Europe and is a founding director of The Wild Media Foundation, Project Coordinator of 2020VISION, as well as being an Associate of the International League of Conservation Photographers.
- Niall Benvie - Niall has worked as a professional outdoor photographer and writer since graduating from Dundee University (Geog., Hons.) in 1993 after an earlier career as a fruit farmer. His special interest is in the nature / culture dynamic. He has a passion for using photographs and photography as a way of introducing people to the wonder of the natural world. His initiatives include Rewilding Childhood, and Meet Your Neighbours and he has published half a million words of books and articles on nature photography and cultural topics. He was a founding director of Wild Wonders of Europe and a founding fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers and is on the team of 2020VISION. His most recent book, Outdoor Photography Masterclass, was published in 2010.
- The year 2011 was declared the International Year of Forests by the United Nations to raise awareness and strengthen the sustainable forest management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests for the benefit of current and future generations.
