Up to half-a-million acres of the Scottish Highlands are in line for rewilding following the launch of a project. The 30-year scheme by Highland charity Trees For Life, with funding from the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, would create a vast nature recovery area—Affric Highlands—connecting Loch Ness to Scotland’s west coast. It was officially welcomed by Rewilding Europe as the ninth member of its network of large pioneering rewilding areas at a ceremony in Glenurquhart Public Hall in Drumnadrochit on the banks of the loch. The launch follows three years of consultation between Rewilding Europe, Trees For Life, and other local partners. A group of 20 landowners, covering at least 25 percent of the total area, and six organisations are already on board, and Trees For Life hopes more will join. Work has begun to involve the local communities in practical action to connect areas of rewilding land due to begin in …