Reintroducing wolves to the Scottish Highlands could significantly expand native woodlands, potentially capturing and storing 1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, according to researchers from the University of Leeds.

Their study suggests that releasing wolves into the Cairngorms, as well as the south-west, north-west, and central Highlands, could help control red deer populations. Red deer currently graze heavily on young tree saplings, preventing natural forest regeneration.

The researchers estimate that a population of around 167 wolves would be sufficient to reduce red deer numbers to levels that allow woodland to recover naturally. This could contribute about 5% of the UK’s carbon removal target for woodlands—equivalent to 1 million tonnes of CO2.

Each wolf could enable an annual carbon uptake of 6,080 tonnes, equating to a financial value of approximately £154,000 per wolf based on standard carbon pricing.

The study, published in the journal Ecological Solutions and Evidence, is the first to quantify the potential impact of wolf reintroduction on woodland expansion and carbon storage in the UK.

The study’s lead author, Prof Dominick Spracklen, from the university’s school of earth and environment, said: “There is an increasing acknowledgment that the climate and biodiversity crises cannot be managed in isolation.

“We need to look at the potential role of natural processes such as the reintroduction of species to recover our degraded ecosystems and these in turn can deliver co-benefits for climate and nature recovery.”

Wolves were officially eradicated from Scotland around 250 years ago, leaving red deer without natural predators. Despite management efforts, Scotland’s red deer population has grown to an estimated 400,000. The lack of predators has contributed to severe overgrazing, preventing forest regrowth.

Currently, only 4% of Scotland is covered by native woodland, making it one of the least forested areas in Europe. Meanwhile, wolf populations in western Europe have rebounded to around 12,000, reclaiming 67% of their former range.

The idea of reintroducing wolves remains controversial. Deer stalkers, farmers, and rural communities have expressed concerns, particularly over livestock losses. Across Europe, wolf populations have sparked fierce debate despite their ecological benefits.

While opposition remains strong, researchers argue that the advantages—restoring ecosystems, increasing biodiversity, and capturing carbon—should be carefully weighed in future discussions.

Lee Schofield, a co-author of the study, said: “Our aim is to provide new information to inform ongoing and future discussions about the possibility of wolf reintroductions both in the UK and elsewhere.

“We recognise that substantial and wide-ranging stakeholder and public engagement would clearly be essential before any wolf reintroduction could be considered.

“Human-wildlife conflicts involving carnivores are common and must be addressed through public policies that account for people’s attitudes for a reintroduction to be successful.”