NatureScot is the Scottish Government's lead agency for advising on all aspects of natural heritage, responsible for conserving, enhancing, and promoting Scotland's nature and landscapes. Its work is primarily focused on halting biodiversity loss by 2030, recovering nature by 2045, and tackling the climate emergency through nature-based solutions.
Key Areas of Conservation Work
Protecting Nature (30x30 Goal): NatureScot is leading the effort to protect 30% of Scotland's land and seas by 2030, focusing on expanding protected areas (SSSIs, SACs, SPAs) and improving their management.
Restoring Habitats: The agency manages the Peatland ACTIONprogramme, which has put over 65,000 hectares of degraded peatland on the road to recovery since 2012, aiming for further significant restoration to reduce carbon emissions.
Species Conservation: NatureScot works to protect vulnerable species through legal licensing, monitoring, and specific initiatives like the Species on the Edge programme, which targets 37 of Scotland's rarest coastal and island species.
Nature Networks: They are developing "nature networks" to improve ecological connectivity across Scotland, allowing species to move and adapt to climate change.
Wildlife Management: NatureScot handles the sustainable management of species, including the implementation of the Beaver Strategy Action Plan and controlling invasive non-native species (INNS).
Valuing Nature: The agency promotes the "natural capital" approach, connecting people with nature to improve health and well-being, while facilitating private investment in nature restoration.
Strategic Priorities (2023-2026)
NatureScot’s corporate plan focuses on three key pillars:
Protecting Nature: Modernising wildlife management, enhancing protected areas, and advising on sustainable development.
Restoring Nature: Transforming land use, regenerating peatlands, and facilitating large-scale habitat restoration.
Valuing Nature: Connecting people with nature, supporting green skills/jobs, and increasing investment in nature.
Key Achievements and Ongoing Projects
Nature Restoration Fund (NRF): Administered by NatureScot, this fund has invested over £30 million in around 150 projects, including freshwater restoration, coastal management, and urban green spaces.
Flow Country World Heritage Site: Supporting the nomination of 190,000 hectares of globally significant blanket bog.
Red Squirrels: Leading efforts to protect red squirrels from grey squirrel expansion.
South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project: A partnership project that has boosted the golden eagle population to over 30 birds.