The Talla Hartfell Wild Land Area (WLA) sits in the hills above Moffat, Tweedsmuir and Ettrick in the central Southern Uplands and is recognised by NatureScot as an area with minimal signs of human impact. It is one of only two such areas south of the Highlands.  The Southern Uplands Partnership has worked with all the surrounding communities over the years and is keen to explore how the wild nature of this part of the Southern Uplands might allow a new rural economy to develop.

A significant number of stakeholders have now been interviewed and a project vision is being drafted on the basis of these. Liaison / interaction has also taken place with a wide range of organisations and individuals: South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project, South West Scotland Environmental Information Centre, Southern Upland Way rangers, Eskdalemuir Forestry, Dumfries and Galloway Council, Scottish Borders Council, Borders Forest Trust, Tweed Forum, Destination Tweed, Tweedsmuir Community Company, Ettrick and Yarrow Development Company, Ettrick and Yarrow Community Council, Moffat Community Council, Visit Moffat, Moffat Promotions, Friends of Gallow Hill, Walk Moffat, Land owners, estate managers, farmers, business owners and residents. The initial stages of the project was enabled by support from Rewilding Britain.