11 actions for nature recovery in Scotland

Why we need a nature recovery plan

Nature is critical to our health and wellbeing. Throughout 2020 nature’s importance has become even more clear for many of us. The necessary response to the Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted lives and routines in ways distinctive to each of us, but nature has been a defining factor of our individual experiences.

With RSPB Scotland and Scottish Wildlife Trust, our Nature Recovery Plan sets out 11 high-impact actions to set Scotland on the pathway to delivering transformative change for nature, people and climate. These actions would also help to build a more healthy and resilient nation, supporting diverse, vibrant communities and economies.

1. Deliver a significant expansion in Scotland’s native woodlands annually from 2020

Did you know Scotland has its own rainforests? Native and ancient forests provide homes for an amazing range of wildlife, including rare tooth fungi, black grouse and red squirrels. To maintain and grow these habitats, we need more emphasis on native planting, better management of existing woodlands and efforts to support natural regeneration.

2. Introduce new legislation to achieve sustainable, low-impact fishing by the end of 2021

Current levels of fishing, combined with fishing gear types used, aren’t sustainable. We need better management of fish stocks, cameras on fishing boats to monitor catches and a broader approach to end overfishing and help our marine habitats and ecosystems recover.

3. Implement licensing of driven grouse shooting by the end of 2021

Wildlife crime is restricting the range and abundance of golden eagles, hen harriers, red kites and peregrines. To protect our renowned birds of prey, grouse moors need to be managed sustainably and within the law, with new powers and resources to investigate wildlife crime.

4. Reduce deer populations and maintain them at sustainable levels through new or improved legislation by the end of 2021

The current lack of effective deer management is hindering the restoration of key habitats, that are significant for both biodiversity and climate. Keeping populations at more natural levels would help improve overall deer health and welfare, ensuring habitat resources are not over-exploited and reducing mass starvation events.

5. Ensure that all new development is net positive for nature through the National Planning Framework 4 in 2022

The places we live and work should support our collective wellbeing and help people and nature thrive. We need a change in planning policy to ensure that new developments enhance and make space for nature.

6. Include a Scottish Nature Network in the National Planning Framework 4 in 2022, and deliver it by 2030

The way that we use and manage land is one of the biggest drivers of habitat and wildlife loss. The Covid-19 crisis has highlighted huge inequalities around access to nature-rich greenspace in Scotland. A Scottish Nature Network would provide better connected, better managed and more attractive habitats closer to where people live.

7. End burning on peatland and the commercial extraction and sale of peat for horticulture across Scotland by 2023

Scotland is blessed to have internationally important peatlands, including 13% of the world’s blanket bog. Healthy peatlands act massive natural carbon sinks and store large amounts of carbon. That’s why it’s so important we take action to protect and restore them.

8. Introduce and apply new rules to improve the use of nitrogen by 2024

Nitrates – often derived from agricultural activities - are a significant water pollutant, impacting sensitive species such as salmon, fresh water pearl mussel and water voles. Reducing nitrogen use and waste cuts greenhouse gas emissions and brings benefits for drinking water, air quality and biodiversity.

9. Establish a Scottish Invasive Non Native Species (INNS) Inspectorate, to ensure zero new establishments of damaging INNS in Scotland, by 2025

New and highly damaging non-native species are arriving on Scottish islands, such as stoats on Orkney. Native red squirrels have declined as a result of competition and disease from invasive greys. Establishing an Inspectorate would help prevent arrivals and allow a swift response to protect Scotland’s biodiversity.

10. Transform Scottish agricultural policy by 2027 so that it facilitates and rewards nature- and climate-friendly farming

The way we currently produce and consume food is contributing to habitat loss, biodiversity decline and climate change. But if we invest today in new incentives, advice and regulations, tomorrow’s farming can be fair to people, animals and the environment.

11. Commit to at least 30% of Scotland’s seas being highly protected, with at least 10% fully protected, by 2030

Scotland’s seas are six times larger than its land mass, and our shores make up an astonishing 10% of Europe’s coastline. To achieve our biodiversity and climate goals we must form a new relationship with the sea, placing value on what is left behind rather than what is taken out.

Scotland is rightly proud of its diverse and unique wildlife, but we need to wake up to the fact that many species are increasingly under threat from climate change. The fact is that we cannot tackle the climate crisis without also addressing the emergency facing our natural world. We need urgent action and funding for nature. Now is the moment to kickstart deeper structural reforms needed to shift to a wellbeing economy which actively invests in nature.

Will you join us in calling on all political parties in Scotland to champion nature and include these actions in their party manifestos for the 2021 Scottish Parliament elections?

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