Sheep numbers are declining across EU, but the UK still has ±50% more than the next largest flock (in Spain). However, Spain also supports one of the largest wolf populations in Europe, guarded in places by shepherds. Could Scotland find a similar balance? https://www.scotlandbigpicture.com/rewilding-stories/the-wolf-too-wild-2?fbclid=IwAR38NbJwgB6B8E6jOSiuHYG7sLbq_2mXzAPsQKz_ZHVZz2VtALNaAWoDHpA

And here's that same Euro map of sheep densities with wolf presence (blue dots) superimposed. Wolves and sheep CAN coexist, especially where shepherds guard their livestock and conflict is correspondingly reduced. Would you pay more for wolf-friendly Scottish lamb?

Note also how sheep densities in Scotland are not as uniform as the large scale Euro map suggests and that the Highlands have far fewer sheep than the lowlands. The scope for a return to traditional shepherding and premium "wolf-friendly" lamb & mutton here feels intriguing.

Farming is central to rural life and employment. It puts food on our tables and should never be pushed to the side. But it is changing fast amidst recognition that current practice is not always ecologically sound. It's fair to ask how we might find more room for nature.

In half a dozen European countries, their entire sheep farming industry falls within the wolf's current range. (Source for this thread: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/STUD/2018/617488/IPOL_STU(2018)617488_EN.pdf)