Legislative proposals aimed at restoring Scotland’s natural environment and safeguarding its biodiversity have been introduced to Parliament, marking a significant step in the Scottish Government’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability. The Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill, unveiled on February 20, 2025, seeks to establish legally binding nature restoration targets and modernize the management of national parks and deer populations.
The introduction of the Natural Environment Bill is part of a broader strategic initiative by the Scottish Government, encapsulated in its Strategic Framework for Biodiversity. This framework aligns with the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy and related delivery plans, which aim to address the pressing issues of biodiversity loss and climate change. Experts have consistently warned that the decline in biodiversity exacerbates the climate crisis, while climate change accelerates biodiversity loss. The Bill proposes a comprehensive approach to tackle these intertwined challenges by implementing measures designed to protect biodiversity and reduce harmful carbon emissions.
If passed, the Bill will impose a legal obligation on Scottish Ministers to establish nature restoration targets. It will also create provisions for amending existing Environmental Impact Assessment legislation and the 1994 Habitats Regulations, ensuring they remain relevant and effective over time. Furthermore, the legislation aims to modernize the objectives of National Parks and reform deer management practices based on recommendations from the Deer Working Group.
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Mairi Gougeon emphasized the urgency of these measures, stating, “We all depend on nature – to provide our food, help prevent flooding, tackle the climate crisis and contribute to our wellbeing.” She highlighted that approximately 11% of species in Scotland are currently under threat. Without immediate action, Scotland risks losing vital species forever.
Gougeon reiterated that improving biodiversity is crucial for adapting to climate change and ensuring continued access to nature’s benefits. She stressed that collaboration with land managers, farmers, and crofters is essential for the success of these initiatives.
Colin Galbraith, Chair of NatureScot, expressed strong support for the Bill’s introduction. He noted that statutory targets for nature protection are vital for achieving the vision outlined in the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy. These targets will play a crucial role in restoring essential habitats and protecting endangered species while enhancing resilience against climate change impacts.
Galbraith specifically pointed out that reforms regarding deer management will facilitate efforts to restore priority areas like native woodlands and peatlands by mitigating the adverse effects of deer grazing and trampling.
The Natural Environment Bill is not just about setting targets; it represents a comprehensive strategy to regenerate Scotland’s natural environment. The Scottish Government aims to halt biodiversity loss by 2030 and restore ecosystems by 2045. This ambitious goal includes protecting at least 30% of Scotland’s land and seas for nature by 2030, in line with international commitments made at the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15).
The Bill also addresses various aspects of environmental management:
Deer Management Reform: The proposed changes will enhance deer management practices, aligning them with ecological restoration goals.
National Parks Modernization: The legislation seeks to update the objectives of National Parks, empowering authorities to lead nature recovery initiatives effectively.
Environmental Impact Assessments: New powers will allow for flexible amendments to existing environmental regulations, ensuring they remain robust in supporting Scotland’s biodiversity objectives.
Recent surveys indicate that public concern regarding environmental degradation is high in Scotland. Eighty percent of Scots expressed worries about harm to their local natural environment, while two-thirds reported witnessing climate change effects such as warmer temperatures and extreme weather events. This growing awareness underscores the need for decisive action from both government and communities.
Aedán Smith from RSPB Scotland highlighted that recent funding cuts for nature conservation make legislative action more critical than ever. He stated that Scotland ranks among the lowest globally in terms of biodiversity intactness, with one in nine species facing extinction.
Smith called for an ambitious approach within the Natural Environment Bill to ensure it effectively addresses both biodiversity loss and climate change. He urged swift publication of detailed plans following parliamentary approval to maintain momentum toward achieving set targets.
The introduction of the Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill represents a pivotal moment in Scotland’s environmental policy landscape. By establishing legally binding targets and modernizing key aspects of environmental management, this legislation has the potential to reverse decades of ecological decline.
As Parliament considers this crucial piece of legislation, it becomes increasingly clear that restoring Scotland’s natural environment is not merely an aspiration but an urgent necessity for current and future generations.
