Work together to achieve best results for nature – plea to MSPs

Press Release

Scottish Land & Estates (SLE), the rural business organisation, has urged MSPs to work with rural businesses and workers to secure benefits for nature and help reduce the impact of climate change. 

As the Natural Environment Bill progresses to Stage 2 scrutiny, a considerable number of amendments have been proposed, including some which may harm the very people already at the forefront of nature conservation in Scotland. SLE has urged MSPs to focus on supporting the efforts of rural workers to enhance and restore habitats and species, rather than threatening to penalise them for non-compliance.

Ross Ewing, Director of Moorland and Strategic Projects for SLE, said: “This Bill provides an opportunity for MSPs from across the political spectrum to join forces and recognise the outstanding conservation work which is taking place across rural Scotland. From ancient woodland to world-renowned rivers and stunning moors, our members are protecting and enhancing some of the rarest and most beautiful landscapes in the world. Land managers and rural workers are committed to going even further to restore nature, and initiatives such as Wildlife Estates Scotland (WES) are proof that our rural estates can lead the world in delivering for biodiversity through land management. We need consensus and collaboration to ensure we keep moving forward to our shared goals.”

Scotland has approximately 90,000 species, some of national and international importance. Many are vulnerable to habitat loss and the impact of climate change. 

While ambitious statutory targets for biodiversity are welcome, the real challenge lies in effective implementation. Even with Ministerial accountability set out in the Bill, it is Scotland’s rural workers who will be tasked with achieving these targets, according to SLE.

The organisation has emphasised the need for detailed, evidence-based nature restoration strategies and improved feedback mechanisms to account for local conditions. This will be of particular importance when considering an issue such as deer management, where there are significant regional differences. In addition, a range of data sources should be used as a baseline for species identification and abundance.

Concerns have also been raised that implementation of the delivery plans related to the Bill could have adverse consequences, particularly with regard to statutory targets for herbivore management. Amendments have also been tabled in relation to grouse moor licensing  which would materially alter the scheme agreed to by the Scottish Parliament in 2024. 

Ross Ewing continued: “As the Bill was passed unanimously at Stage 1, we hope that this consensual approach can continue, when looking at the changes proposed at Stage 2. It is only through an evidence-led approach, with proper safeguards to prevent non-regression, that we can work together to achieve the best possible outcomes for people, the climate and nature.”