Rewilding in Scotland has created a more than 400% increase in jobs, research has found amid calls for the campaign to continue.

A recent analysis by Rewilding Britain reveals there has been a 412% increase in jobs at 13 major rewilding projects covering almost 60,000 hectares across the country.

Full-time equivalent jobs across the sites increased from 24 before rewilding to 123, with the largest rise recorded at Trees for Life’s 4,000 hectare Dundreggan estate near Loch Ness in the Highlands, which opened last year.

The former deer stalking estate played host to wildlife YouTube series, ‘8 Out of 10 Bats’, in October of last year and has seen a rise in volunteer numbers from zero to 100.

Other sites involved in the analysis include those owned or managed by charities, communities, private landowners and public bodies; across sectors including hospitality, estate management, ecology, environmental monitoring and rewilding interventions.

Research also found the combined number of volunteers at the sites increased from zero to 435. All sites included in the research are more than 100 hectares and are a part of the Rewilding Network managed by Rewilding Britain.

The Scottish government is being urged by the Scottish Rewilding Alliance to commit to nature recovery across 30% of its land – a campaign backed by Hollywood actor, Leonardo DiCaprio.

A spokesperson for the Scottish government comments on the findings, saying: “Restoring Scotland’s natural environment is a key way that we can help address the twin challenges of nature loss and climate change, including many of the interventions championed by the Scottish Rewilding Alliance.

“We welcome this evidence of employment in rural communities and will consider this research as we continue to work towards our commitment to protect and restore 30% of Scotland’s land and seas for nature.”

The charter can be viewed at www.rewild.scot/charter.