From dodging downpours to battling midges, we have always weathered what Scottish nature throws at us. But today, nature is facing its own storm. Wildlife is declining, wild places are being lost, and climate breakdown is putting increasing pressure on the natural world we all depend on.
In the run up to the 2026 Scottish Parliament election, we ran our ‘It’s in our nature’ campaign. We received more than 2,000 messages alongside well over 6,000 petition signatures from people across Scotland, calling for urgent action for nature and climate.
Together with young nature supporters, we handed over messages to the First Minister in a giant papier-mâché oyster, symbolising the hope of nature restoration. This brought your voices directly to decision-makers and showed the strength of public support for a wilder, healthier Scotland.
It was great to see the First Minister read messages first-hand and hear his commitment to tackling the biodiversity crisis.
Here, we're bringing together a selection of those messages, organised by parliamentary region, showcasing the strength of support for nature in every corner of the country.
Messages
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© Paul Rogers / WWF-UKCentral Scotland and Lothians West
"I want my grandchildren to be able to enjoy looking for and see our stunning wildlife over our beautiful country in the future. Having wildlife around is wonderful we should protect all forms of life in the wild including the natural habitat." - Anne
"Speed up the move to renewables. Cleaner fresher environment for everyone." - Andrew
"Nature means everything to me. Being in nature is good for my soul, keeps me calm and peaceful. Nature is so important for the environment as trees are necessary for good air quality, flood defences etc." - Deborah
"A future Scotland must recognise the importance of protecting nature as a top priority for ourselves and the world we live in." - John
"I want my son and nephews to be able to play and understand nature. We need to be more grounded and this is the best way. Do we want to be the reason our children can't play in nature." - Amanda
"Continued support for wildlife conservation. Increased support for Scottish farmers to increase the number of farms and the sustainability of eco farming. Increase wave and wind power. More subsidised support for every home to have solar panels." - Shirley
"Nature is my escape, my peace, and where I feel most alive. Protecting it means protecting our wellbeing and the balance that keeps our planet alive." - Sean
"Our Scottish nature is so important and must be preserved. We cannot lose what has survived for so long, so must all work together to insure it continues and improves." - Doreen
"Nature is everything and more, for us all, for our children and grandchildren, for all generations to come." - Ann Marie
"Nature is about all life on this planet and we must protect it. Scotland is well placed to do more from planting trees in the right environment to cleaning up our rivers and reducing pollution. The clock is ticking, we can't delay." - Catherine
"Access to nature is essential for societal and individual wellbeing. Thriving nature is vital to assist manage the climate emergency. But less selfishly, we owe it to the flora and fauna we share this planet to be benevolent custodians for the future." - David
"Humans were supposed to care for and protect the planet and the creatures we are privileged to share our world with. Instead we have destroyed it to the brink of collapse. The Scottish government needs to step up and take action now before it is too late. No more empty words." - Denise
"Scotland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world with an abundance of wildlife and birds. We must protect them before it’s too late!" - Jennifer
"For there to be a future Scotland we need to be concerned about nature and climate change. If we had cared about nature in the past and allowed natural balance to do its thing we wouldn’t be in the mess we are in now." - Deborah
"Nature is food for the soul. In these uncertain, difficult times, the benefit of getting out in nature is huge for mental health and wellbeing." - Amanda
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© Monique LaatsGlasgow
"Nature is something to be cherished and respected. All living things share our planet, and we need to all be aware of the need to live greener and to look after our environment for all of us." - Lynne
"Protect Scotland’s wild dunes. Stop prioritizing profit over ecosystems." - Julie
"Nature means to me, a way to feel grounded & calm, a reminder that what’s most important is being a part of nature & that it is not something separate ‘to visit'." - Niki
"Nature is everything, we can’t get it back once we destroy it." - Ashleigh
"As a musician, Scotland’s wilderness is very much connected to the music that I play. I believe we have a duty to keep the land sacred and protect it. Biodiversity is key to this." - Stephen
"Nature is precious and we must protect all our natural environments, from the coastal areas to lochs, rivers, woodland and mountainous regions. We should try to live in harmony with nature, respect it and help biodiversity to thrive." - Juliette
"I love being in nature it feeds the soul. Trees are really important to everything & keeping wildlife protected is a priority for everyone. The eco system must be protected to ensure future generations of wildlife." - Joy
"Nature is more than just beautiful to look at and be in. It is a vital web that is essential to all of our existence." - Calum
"It means everything. I want a future Scotland where there is no danger of animals becoming extinct. I want a future Scotland where everyone understands and values the natural world." - Anne
"As a child growing up in the 60's nature was a huge part of our lives. Mum and Dad constantly took us out into the countryside, walking and playing, animal and bird watching. We did the same with our own 3 children, who now do it with their children. Nature enhances lives- is essential to all life." - Anne
"A future Scotland should be one that future generations can enjoy, with flora, fauna, air, land and water protected, regenerated and open to be loved and enjoyed by all." - Frances Anne
"Nature is the lane, the green space and the rivers lakes and oceans. It is places where indigenous species can grow, live and thrive without the interference of people trying to impact their environment or abuse it for their own selfish uses." - Alistair
"I am a nature lover, and I want to see more action on the preservation of all wildlife." - James
"I have always felt that the Scot have a long history of stewardship of the land, and that is even more important today. If we do not take care of Scotland’s nature in a sustainable and regenerative way we risk losing that which is most important to future generations, the enjoyment of nature." - Stuart
"Nature is a vital teacher, carer and friend. What we can learn from it is endlessly important for our own welfare. It is beautiful and can be brutal but so is life. It helps us learn to deal with our emotions, lifts us when we are down and celebrates with us when life is good. We cannot live alone." - Valerie
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© Mark Hamblin / scotlandbigpicture.comHighlands and Islands
"I want to see more wildlife being protected. I see a huge decline in my lifetime especially in species like hares, hedgehogs, badgers, otters etc and I would love that to be changed forever." - Katrin
"More trees, more wildlife, less pollution (air and water), planet-friendly farming." - Alan
"Nature is not a lifestyle choice, it is life itself, we are nature and interconnected with the natural world. Nature breakdown is synonymous with climate change, as we reach tipping points it is the most existential issue facing humanity. Scotland still offers a place of refuge for all beings." - Jane
"Nature is like the air I breathe. Some species found here are only found here and now new animals and birds coming here are here due to climate change. This worries me a lot. I love the diversity of the wildlife here but the changes in the climate and environment cause a lot of anxiety." - Janice
"I live in a rural community. The countryside is important for mental health, tourism, businesses and wildlife. We enjoy dog walking in local forest walks, bird watching, seeing the wildlife, views and the changing of the seasons. The dark skies and total quiet." - Vanessa
"We need to protect nature to combat the effects of climate change." - Alison
"Nature lifts my heart and makes me happy. But I can't think when I last saw a capercaillie, a greenfinch, or a bullfinch or heard a grasshopper to name but a few species from my childhood. We need to protect what we have and try to reclaim what we have lost." - Ellen-Ann
"More forests, help for the local wildlife, and the hills/mountains. Reduce/stop fossil fuels and make solar, wind and tidal more important (and cheaper)." - Gordon
"I am concerned about the amount of wildfires in Scotland and the massive loss of our wildlife. Our weather is massively changing but not in the right direction." - Bert
"I would like to see more areas with native trees. Continue with clean water in our rivers and lochs safe clean beaches. To still be able to see our magnificent birds of prey in the skies. Otters to swim and run freely. Keep up our population of red squirrels. For farming and nature to be in harmony." - Donna
"We all need and depend on nature for our mental and physical health. It underlies food production, clean water and clean air. Our future and that of our children depends on our protecting nature now." - Marion
"I want a Scotland where nature and wildlife are protected and highly valued. I would like politicians who act in the planet's interest, and don't back down on climate commitments." - Jacqueline
"Protecting our native wildlife and landscapes, using renewable energy to slow climate change, working towards sustainable agriculture." - Alison
"I live in the highlands and work in the outdoor industry. I see the effects of lack of biodiversity and climate change directly. A future Scotland supports the diverse and working relationships people have with our land whilst promoting greater sustainability practices and supporting biodiversity." - John
"I have huge concerns about our nature. I live rurally in Moray and am surrounded by its wonders, but the recent wildfires, and the lowest ever recorded levels of the river Spey, should bring home to us all what climate change is doing. I say we stop talking about out the situation and do something!" - Linda
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© Maverick Photo AgencyEdinburgh and Lothians East
"Scotland and its scenery is loved the world over. Why would we let it disappear?" - Irene
"Nature means freedom, peace, having fun with friends and feeling healthy. If I didn’t have the opportunity to enjoy nature in Scotland, my life as someone with a severe disability would be very limited, having a huge impact on my wellbeing and mental health." - Silvia
"We need to restore nature to meet our climate change targets. Restoring nature is about landscape scale change for peatlands, river catchments, rain forests, etc but importantly it is about better nature close to where people live - with quality, accessible, green spaces central to our lives." - Karen
"Scotland has the opportunity to preserve and restore its wonderful natural heritage- this is essential for a vibrant future." - Penny
"A Scotland where people are connected to their local environment and enabled to appreciate and enjoy it - for all the benefits it brings for them, be it better mental and physical health, healthier and more sustainable food, thriving rural communities including all species, and more secure futures." - Miesbeth
"Nature means a clearer headspace for me. I work 24-30 hour shifts as a support worker. As rewarding as the job is…it’s HARD! So being able to go for a walk and listen to the wildlife & hear the running water with beautiful views really helps take the weight off. I love nature and Scotland." - Gemma
"I love Scotland’s nature but I’m worried about what it’s gonna be like when I grow up. I’m only 13." - Rory
"Nature underpins everything, and I would like to see MSPs taking this seriously in the upcoming election and thinking about future generations and the long term rather than populist short term policies - now is the time for action, be ambitious!" - Jessica
"Nature means everything to me. The thought of losing it to climate change frightens me and I urge our politicians to protect it with all their energies and influence." - Walter
‘Nature is balance on which everything depends. I’d like to see Scotland become a European leader in both sustainable energy production and ecological protection including rewilding.’ Robin
"It is our responsibility to not only protect our natural world but undo as much of the damage as we can. Scotland could and should be a leading country in the way forwards in protecting nature." - Gillian
"Nature and biodiversity is so important for mental health, preventing flood and wildfires and for food production. It is now more important than ever to protect nature and restore ecosystems to a functional state." - Andrew
"I am 79 years old and was born on a farm in Ayrshire beside the bonny River Doon. I hope the members of parliament will do their best to preserve what remains of our countryside for future generations." - Kirsty
"Sustainable agriculture & more protected space for wildlife with greater biodiversity." - Claire
"I want to see a future where nature is put before profit. Where we all get to appreciate the health benefits of thriving nature in our communities. I want to feel the government is actually tackling climate change and not just greenwashing." - Tammy
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© Ola Jennersten / WWF-SwedenMid Scotland and Fife
"Nature underpins everything - the very fabric of our lives, the economy, our health. For me, getting out in nature always gives me a boost, rain or shine, and I love spending time in the hills, on our amazing coasts, along rivers and glens and in the woods, with family, friends or in solitude." - Darryl
"I live in rural Perthshire, wildlife abounds, love to see a skittish deer and hear the stags roar, also elusive red squirrels and foxes, nesting osprey, ravens, I think we need government, estate owners and farmers to work together to ensure habitat is protected, peatlands restored trees planted." - Isobel
"For me, nature is a gift that transcends politicians and people, and yet ironically and sadly, we need these to ensure we safeguard all that is under, on and about our Earth. Nature is everything about us that gives and enriches life. Our world is home to everything, not just humans." - Alison
"The joy of seeing and hearing the birds. I am house bound much of the day. So our wildlife is so important to me when someone is able to take me out in my wheelchair to a park or other wooded area." - Gordon
"Suffering from PTSD (active service) nature has been a life saver." - Kevin
"Nature’s in a mess - and we’ve all collectively caused it through our actions and inactions. But it doesn’t need to stay that way. With the right political focus, Scotland can combine support for biodiversity and habitat restoration along with support for food, energy and economic security." - Hugh
"Britain is one of the least biodiverse countries in the world. Our politicians talk a lot and do very little. We need to step up our actions, get priorities in order, Make a difference. Climate change can be slowed despite greedy CEOs. Government has to be strong/brave." - Ian James
"Many of us feel a profound sense of peace and beauty when thinking of nature, enjoying green spaces, seeing animals thrive. But with so much disconnect between nature and us in our daily routines, it's easy to forget how intertwined we are in the ecosystem, and how urgently we need to act to save it." - Victoria
"Nature is really important to me that is why I love walking by myself or with a rambling group discovering new areas and taking in all the diverse natural habitats Loch Leven, the seashore and woodland. I always invigorated mentally and physically after being in and around nature." - Peter
"At 70, nature is my garden and local area. The changing seasons with familiar things and surprises where seeds have dropped. Getting my hands in the soil with hand weeding. Sharing with wild animals. Managing weeds so that they do not seed invasively. Enjoying clean beaches, seas and rivers." - Ann
"A world & country in which all living things, plant, animals, microorganisms can live in harmony. Where governments and councils recognise the importance of the natural environment when making policies/decisions around land use. Where nature, health & wellbeing take precedence over economic growth." - Elizabeth
"As a kid I remember car number plates covered with insects, butterflies in the garden and the summer buzz of bumble bees. Today I get excited if i see a single butterfly but mainly there's silence. It really scares me how unconnected we are with nature and low it is down the pecking order." - Sarah
"Given far too low a priority in political terms. Short-term policies and goals won't cut it in terms of repairing damage caused by the human race, and the decline of the environment will continue unabated unless strong action is taken. I fear for future generations." - Gordon
"Nature is so important to us at our school. We have the right to a safe environment, natural features around us like our local Dam where we can go walking and taking part in our Forest School programme, safe play parks so we can get fresh air, clean water to drink and observe wildlife." - Donna
"Hoping for support for farmers who are opting for regeneration - for critical increase in biodiversity (reversing current trend) and for benefits in welfare due to healthier food production, more rewilding projects for habitat restoration, species reintroduction, flood management and rural jobs." - Barbara
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© Andrew HellowellNorth East Scotland
"Scotland needs urgent action to increase resilience against climate change and biodiversity loss. Not just for endangered nature but also for humans. Please take relevant action in Holyrood to encourage this to happen at the fastest pace possible." - Robert
"Unless we act now we will lose the beauty of spring flowers, birdsong echoing across the fields, the joy of watching dolphins, the burble of clean burns. I love to walk amongst wildflowers and butterflies, watching out for raptors. I fear for the next generations, who face poisoned land and sea." - Sally
"We need to protect nature for my grandchildren." - Mary
"We can't live without nature, so it means everything! I dream of good public transport for all, happy farmers growing healthy, affordable food sustainably, resilient, diverse communities enriched through wind turbine- and pylon-money, nature full of trees, birds and bees and cosy homes for all." - Hanna
"Scotland's nature and beauty is what makes us unique in the world. From wildcats and capercaillie to wee hairy caterpillars and horny-gollachs, every single living thing we have is worth protecting and worthy of protection." - Jill
"My local area in Angus has increasing numbers of industrial hen sheds and I’m very concerned pollution of the waterways, the loss of agricultural land and the loss of wildlife corridors." - Morag
"Nature is life." - Maciej
"Being autistic nature and wildlife have always been something that is extremely comforting to me. I want to be able to help restore protect and be there for nature the same way it has been there for me when I needed it." - Kelly
"Nature keeps me humbled and grounded. Scotland future for me would be investment to create a thriving, self-sustaining food source and energy provider. This would create employment and financial growth." - Shona
"Nature needs to be protected by everyone especially by the Government who need to do more to protect the creatures we have in this country which are disappearing rapidly." - Irene
"Walking out in all weathers near my home, I see and hear birds and rabbits and squirrels and now trees dressed in red and gold! these walks make me feel joyful and gives me a feeling of belonging to a land where my neighbours are Nature's finest. Bonnie Scotland!!" - Helen
"Nature is everything. Without nature, there won't be food, warmth or happiness. Who wants to live without those? Regreen Scotland (reforestation and peatland protection), use the wind (renewables) and plant apple meadows (forest gardens). Provide buses, so we can marvel at nature while we travel." - Hanna
"We are nature, Earth is our only home. Scotland’s future should sound like skylarks again. Protect remaining wild places, repair what’s damaged, and accelerate clean energy with nature built in. This is about legacy, life’s future, and what we leave for the next generations. Be bold and act now." - Jean
"The destruction of nature over the last 50 years has been horrific and urgently needs reversed. My grandchildren deserve a better world than you are going to inherit from my generation." - Graham
"I love wildlife and being out amongst nature. It is essential for the future of this beautiful planet to care for all living things including plants. It is also a key element for helping with our mental health. We need to get governments to act now not just talk about what needs to be done." - Jenni
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© David Bebber / WWF-UKSouth Scotland
"I’ve always loved nature. It brings peace and tranquillity into your life. We must protect where we can. I live in Kilmarnock where the Red Squirrel is the emblem. They disappeared around 30 years ago when the greys moved in. So I’ve seen first-hand the destruction and devastation to nature." - Marjorie
"It is life. No nature no life. To be rewilded to the maximum. To change farming practices to be organic and wildlife friendly. To protect our seas." - Gill
"There are so many species that you took for granted and now you don't see them anymore." - Mark
"Future Scotland should have healthy wild spaces on land and in the seas around our coast. It will retain the arctic plants that only grow at the top of our highest hills, it will have diverse healthy ecosystems in the lochs. We will still have native rainforests with pine martins and red squirrels." - Rona
"A world where we don’t have to explain to our children and grandchildren why we didn’t fight hard enough to protect it." - Rachel
"Nature is the essence of life and the fulfilment of pleasure outdoors. A future Scotland appears to be an increasingly barren and wild animal deficient land which only care and attention will redress." - Peter
"Having nature around me is good for me in every way, especially my mental health. But even more importantly it's important to protect all the wildlife we share our earth with. Foxes, badgers, and other wild creatures are all being pushed out as we destroy more land and woodland etc. It's tragic." - Jacqu
"The beautiful, natural world must be preserved for future generations. The warning signs are indicating that radical action is urgently needed." - Nigel
"I would like to see trees and nature blooming. Everywhere and parents and schools teaching that we cannot live without nature." - Pearl
"As a former volunteer for the SWT and SNH I know that our woodland, wetland, and coastal regions need our help for the flora and fauna unique to our nation to thrive and prosper." - Chris
"Nature is so important in all of our lives. I live in the heart of the Borders, in the countryside, and have done for over fifty years. In that time the loss of wildlife has been very upsetting. Peewits and Curlews have almost disappeared, as have red squirrels, and many small birds." - Lynda
"It’s our job to protect nature for the future generations." - Paul
"Protect Scotland’s marine environment - marine conservation areas which are actually protected and not just in name only. Fisheries need to adhere to scientific advice, scallop dredging banned and aquaculture heavily regulated for many reasons. Only by doing this can our seabird populations recover." - Linda
"By protecting nature we protect ourselves, our children and our children’s children. Without biodiversity we will have no future." - John
"Nature is a something that we should never take for granted. It's up to us to make sure it's always there for all to enjoy." - Frances
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© naturepl.com / Alex Mustard / WWFWest Scotland
"My favourite thing on a sunny day is to go to Rouken Glen Park on my bike to see the ducks and the squirrels like I used to do with my Grampa, please allow me to continue do this by supporting the environment and increasing biodiversity." - Keir
"If nothing changes, will Scotland not have more rain, more flooding, many of our precious areas will be changed irrevocably? Some of our species are already losing habitat, and with the changes in temperature, others just won't stay or return here for their seasonal trips." - Clare
"Well, apart from the obvious beauty of nature, which I love to photograph, I guess the short answer is: survival. If we destroy the environment then, ultimately, we'll destroy ourselves. If we keep ripping up nature for profit, we'll eventually discover we can't eat money!" - Bill
"It's so important for everyone and our future to maintain a healthy natural environment filled with beautiful natural places, wildlife to flourish and for our health and wellbeing. There is nothing more humbling than walking and watching our kids explore walking through forests, or being by the sea." - Stephanie
"We need to protect nature and nature protects us. We need to be serious about food security and support farmers to produce food locally and in a sustainable way that works with nature. We need to wake up to the change in our climate and adapt nature solutions and systems." - Angela
"I have always been very fond of it, I think it’s ours and the government’s duty to protect and ensure there is a place in this day and age for nature." - Archie
"I have brought my kids up to appreciate Scotland and its nature and beauty. They have holidayed around Scotland since birth only now as they are their own young adults do they mix it with broader world travel. They join us when they can when we tour around Scotland. Sadly we witness natures struggle." - Alastair
"Scotland is famous for its stunning scenery and wonderful wildlife. It's the lifeblood of our beautiful country and if we lose it, it will be gone forever. It means everything to me, my history, my culture, mine and my country's identity. We have to protect it and restore what has been damaged." - Angela
"We are all intrinsically linked to nature, sometimes without realising it. I live in an urban street with trees & bushes that bring visiting wildlife. Lots of aspects of nature I don’t experience often like the oceans & wilderness, but it needs to thrive & flourish otherwise our world will slowly die." - Jane
"The natural world was here before us and will be here after us. It gives us joy, relaxation and beauty. It is imperative to protect it for its sake and for our sakes too. Nature is sometimes what makes life worth living, and in Scotland I can forgive the rain because without rain, no flowers!" - Dorrit
"Our existence depends on nature. The devastating climate change that we are creating by producing excess CO2 and methane will render our planet virtually uninhabitable within this century unless we stop brutalising nature by increasing the earth’s temperature. We need to stop using fossil fuels." - James
"We were added to nature, which has given us everything we need. We can't do without it. We must give back and Scotland is our starting place. Save our paths and natural spaces, parks and all life around us. Stop ourselves from destroying the biggest gift we've been given - NOW!" - Daniel
"I need nature for my own mental health and use it as a calming tool after a busy week. My own children agree too. I work in a nursery where I encourage and develop children's knowledge of the environment through gardening, recycling and eco committee. It's extremely important part of our futures." - Amanda
"We take nature for granted because we actually can't imagine it not being there. But it means everything to me. Scotland has so much visible water and swathes of unspoiled land, but less and less insects, and butterflies -it is terrifying. We are sleep-walking into oblivion and are all in denial." - Jacci
"This matter is critical and MUST be acted on with supportive funding, appropriate legislation and proportionate enforcement. Think Local act Global MSPs!" - Nicholas
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It’s in our nature to speak up. And we’ve done just that!
Thousands of people across Scotland have taken action through our ‘It’s in our nature’ campaign, sending a clear message that nature and climate must be a priority.
Now, it’s in our nature to act. We’re calling on all political parties and the Scottish Government to turn this public support into meaningful action. We need action to repair and protect nature, tackle climate breakdown, accelerate the transition to clean energy, and transform agriculture so that nature and farming can thrive together.
We’re not saying it’s easy. We’re saying it’s essential.
Working together
We welcome the opportunity to work with politicians from all parties to explore practical, ambitious solutions to bring our world back to life.
Get in touch: scotland@wwfscotland.org.uk