Forestry
-
Next generation farming
Support for young people into agricultural careers.
-
Nitrogen use efficiency in Scotland: annual report 2025
The latest report under section 5(1)(c) of the Climate Change (Nitrogen Balance Sheet) (Scotland) Regulations 2022, and complements the latest published version of the Nitrogen Balance Sheet for the year 2022.
-
Ecosystem Restoration Code: engagement paper
Engagement paper for the Scottish Government-NatureScot partnership project to develop an Ecosystem Restoration Code (ERC) for Scotland. The paper summarises key evidence on the operation and scope of potential nature / biodiversity markets in Scotland.
-
Deer (Scotland) Act 1996 - section 8 control scheme: Loch Choire Estate
Control scheme made by NatureScot under section 8 of the Deer (Scotland) Act 1996 which has been confirmed by the Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity.
-
Climate change - public engagement strategy: mid-point review
The climate change public engagement strategy committed to a review at the mid-point of delivery. The review provides a summary of activities delivered since the publication of the strategy, reflects on the approach being taken and recommends improvements to achieve objectives in future delivery.
-
National Islands Plan: annual report 2024
The Islands (Scotland) Act 2018 requires that a report is presented to Parliament each year setting out the progress made towards delivery of the National Islands Plan. This report sets out progress made during the 2024 reporting year.
-
Environment strategy: transformative changes for sustainability
Independent report by Professor Valerie Nelson on behalf of the Scottish Government to inform the development of the forthcoming Scottish Government environment strategy.
-
Environment strategy: global environmental impacts of consumption and production
Independent report from the James Hutton Institute on behalf of the Scottish Government on global impacts of consumption and production in Scotland. This research is being used to inform the forthcoming Scottish Government environment strategy.
-
The Agricultural Wages (Scotland) Order (No. 72) 2025
This Order may be cited as the Agricultural Wages (Scotland) Order (No. 72) 2025 and shall come into force on 1st April 2025.
-
Restoring Scotland’s natural environment
New targets to enhance nature and protect biodiversity.
-
New deal for agriculture
Flexible grants to drive efficiency, support nature and climate friendly farming.
-
Independent Commission for the Land-based Learning Review report - SG response: implementation plan
Planning setting out the process and activities involved in delivering the Scottish Government’s response to the Land-based Learning Review’s recommendations.
-
Scottish new National Parks - phase 2 - strategic environmental assessment (SEA): SEA reasonable alternatives report
Strategic environmental assessment (SEA) addendum report for the future of National Parks proposals in Scotland
-
Flood Resilience Strategy: case studies
Examples of diverse initiatives around Scotland that are in some way contributing to our flood resilience.
-
Restoring Scotland’s rainforests
£5 million for precious habitat.
-
Interactive map
New tool shares information on publicly-owned land.
-
Scottish Biodiversity Strategy to 2045
This is the final updated version of our biodiversity strategy which sets out our clear ambition for Scotland to be Nature Positive by 2030, and to have restored and regenerated biodiversity across the country by 2045.
-
Biodiversity: delivery plan 2024 to 2030
The first in a series of rolling delivery plans which form part of our strategic framework for biodiversity, in conjunction with the Scottish biodiversity strategy. It includes actions needed to ensure we are on track to achieving the vision and outcomes in the strategy.
-
Crofting law reform
Analysis of consultation responses published.
-
Biodiversity - strategic framework: consultation analysis
A summary and analysis of responses received to our public consultation on Scotland’s strategic framework for biodiversity 'Tackling the nature emergency', which ran from September to December 2023.
-
Attracting private investment in nature
Launch of Scotland’s Natural Capital Market Framework.
-
Natural Capital Market Framework
Scotland's natural environment is at the heart of our identity, economy, and communities. This document supports responsible, values-led investment in natural capital through the expansion of high-integrity voluntary carbon markets, and development of opportunities to invest in biodiversity.
-
Natural capital - importance to the Scottish economy: research
This research identifies sectors reliant on natural capital in Scotland and quantifies the economic value of these nature-dependent sectors at national and regional levels. The methodology values our economy's dependence on nature, estimating £40 billion economic output and 261,000 jobs supported.
-
National Islands Plan: Implementation Route Map 2024
Details how we will deliver our priorities over the lifetime of the National Islands Plan. It identifies the methods to monitor progress towards fulfilling the many commitments in the Plan and sets out timescales for delivery of our work.
-
Climate change - Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029: child rights and wellbeing impact assessment
Child rights and wellbeing impact assessment undertaken for the Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024 to 2029.
-
Climate change - Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029: business and regulatory impact assessment
Business and regulatory impact assessment (BRIA) undertaken for the Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029.
-
Climate change - Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029: children's version
Children's version of the Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024 to 2029. This version can be used to support learning and sets out the actions the Scottish Government and partners will take to respond to the impacts of climate change from 2024 to 2029.
-
Climate change: Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024 - 2029 - easy read
Easy read version of the Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-29. The Adaptation Plan sets out the actions that the Scottish Government and partners will take to respond to the impacts of climate change from 2024 to 2029.
-
Climate change - Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029: joint equalities impact assessment and Fairer Scotland Duty assessment
Joint equalities impact assessment and Fairer Scotland Duty assessment undertaken for Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029.
-
Climate change - Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029: island communities impact assessment
Island communities impact assessment undertaken for the Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-29.
-
Climate change: Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029
Sets out the actions that the Scottish Government and partners will take to respond to the impacts of climate change. This Adaptation Plan sets out actions from 2024 to 2029.
-
Managing deer for climate and nature: consultation analysis
Analysis of responses to the Scottish Government consultation on 'managing deer for climate and nature'.
-
Progress in reducing emissions in Scotland 2023: SG response
Scottish Government's response to the Climate Change Committee’s 2023 'Progress in reducing emissions in Scotland' report, as published in March 2024.
-
Climate change - draft Scottish national adaptation plan 3 2024 - 2029: consultation analysis
Analysis of responses to consultation on the draft Scottish National Adaptation Plan 3 (SNAP3) 2024 to 2029.
-
Scotland's Land Use Strategy Annual Progress Report – 2023/2024
Fifth annual progress report on Scotland's land use strategy, as required under Section 37A of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009. It covers the period of March 2023 to March 2024.
-
Overcoming barriers to the engagement of supply-side actors in Scotland's peatland natural capital markets - Annexes Volume
Research with landowners and managers in Scotland to better understand their motivations and preferences to help inform the design of policy and finance mechanisms for high-integrity peatland natural capital markets.
-
Overcoming barriers to the engagement of supply-side actors in Scotland's peatland natural capital markets - Final Report
Research with landowners and managers in Scotland to better understand their motivations and preferences to help inform the design of policy and finance mechanisms for high-integrity peatland natural capital markets.
-
Economic impact of forestry
Sector brings £1.1 billion annually.
-
Agriculture Bill to become law
Supporting sustainable and regenerative farming and crofting.
-
Record high peatland restoration
Improving climate change resilience.
-
Climate change monitoring report 2024
The fourth annual statutory monitoring report against the updated 2018 Climate Change Plan, as per the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Act 2019.
-
Nitrogen use efficiency in Scotland: annual report 2024
The latest report under section 5(1)(c) of the Climate Change (Nitrogen Balance Sheet) (Scotland) Regulations 2022, and complements the latest published version of the Nitrogen Balance Sheet for the year 2021.
-
Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill - Fairer Scotland Duty Assessment
Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill - Fairer Scotland Duty Assessment
-
Aithris Bhliadhnail air Plana Nàiseanta nan Eilean 2023
Gaelic version of the National Islands Plan annual report 2023
-
Natural capital - market framework: engagement paper
This engagement paper summarises the key natural capital market framework co -development issues and questions that will be explored. The content will be used to help inform, guide and support all participants during the engagement and co-development process.
-
National Islands Plan: annual report 2023
The Islands (Scotland) Act 2018 requires that a report is presented to Parliament each year setting out the progress made towards delivery of the National Islands Plan. This report sets out progress made during the 2023 reporting year.
-
Agriculture and Rural Communities Bill
Supporting sustainable farming and crofting.
-
Land Reform Bill
Transfer test to become part of large rural landholding sales.
-
Rural and island community support
Spring Budget needs to invest in environment and food production.
-
Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill Equality Impact Assessment
Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill Equality Impact Assessment
-
Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment
Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment
-
Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill Islands Communities Impact Assessment
Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill Islands Communities Impact Assessment
-
Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill Child Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment
Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill Child Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment
-
The Environment Strategy for Scotland: Delivering the Environment Strategy Outcome on Scotland's Global Footprint - Evidence Base & Policy Levers
This report presents evidence and initial recommendations on how the Scottish Government could use the available policy levers to help ensure Scotland’s international environmental impact is sustainable.
-
The Environment Strategy for Scotland: Driving the Transition to a Nature Positive Economy - A Synthesis of Policy Levers for Governments
This report supports the research project ‘Delivering the Environment Strategy Outcome on Scotland’s Economy: Evidence base and Policy levers’. It focuses on the transition to a nature positive economy, summarises key evidence, and presents a synthesis of potential actions.
-
The Environment Strategy for Scotland: Reducing Scotland's International Environmental Impact - Learning from International Best Practices
This report supports the research project ‘Delivering the Environment Strategy Outcome on Scotland’s Global Footprint: Evidence Base and Policy Levers’. It summarises examples of international best practice in relation to policy levers for achieving a sustainable global footprint.
-
The Environment Strategy for Scotland: Delivering the Environment Strategy Outcome on Scotland's Economy - Evidence Base & Policy Levers
This report presents evidence and initial recommendations on how the Scottish Government could use the available policy levers to support the transformations in Scotland’s economy needed to help tackle the climate and nature emergencies.
-
Climate change - national adaptation plan 2024 to 2029: consultation - easy read
The impacts of climate change are already being felt by people in Scotland. That is why, as well as taking action to reduce emissions, we must also take steps to adapt to climate change. This is an easy-read version of the consultation on the Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024 to 2029.
-
Am Plana Nàiseanta airson Dùthaich a tha Math a Thaobh Biadh: Sgrìobhainn Chochomhairleachaidh
This consultation covers the content of the national Good Food Nation Plan. It seeks views on the Outcomes; ways of measuring progress; and how different groups envision life in a Good Food Nation. It also seeks views on specified functions. This is a Gaelic translation of the consultation.
-
National Good Food Nation Plan: consultation - easy read
Easy read version of our consultation on the national Good Food Nation Plan, which sets out the Government's goals for food and how we will achieve them.
-
National Good Food Nation Plan
The national Good Food Nation Plan sets out six over-arching Outcomes for a Good Food Nation; the range of targets and indicators that will be used to gauge progress towards achieving them; and details of a wide range of food-related policies and initiatives from across the Scottish Government.
-
National Good Food Nation Plan: consultation
We are consulting on the first national Good Food Nation Plan. We are seeking views on the national Good Food Nation Outcomes, ways of measuring progress and how different groups envision life in a Good Food Nation. It also seeks views on specified functions.
-
Greenhouse gas emissions projections: phase 1 and phase 2 modelling results
Analysis undertaken by Ricardo-AEA for the Scottish Government to provide an estimated projection of Scottish emissions from 2019 to 2045 which capture announced Scottish and UK policies.
-
Managing deer for climate and nature: consultation
We are consulting on proposals to modernise the legislation which governs deer management in Scotland and ensure it is fit for purpose in the context of the biodiversity and climate crises, alongside a small number of proposals concerned with farmed and kept deer.
-
Green land investment in rural Scotland: social and economic impacts
Outlines the findings of research into the range of potential social and economic impacts relating to new forms of green land investment in rural Scotland.
-
Natural capital: economic benefits assessment
Outlines new economic analysis that quantifies the likely economic impacts, measured as output and jobs created, from hypothetical cross-sector regional and national programmes of natural capital investment in Scotland.
-
Land use strategy: fourth annual progress report 2022-2023
Fourth annual progress report on Scotland's land use strategy, as required under Section 37A of The Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Act 2019. It covers the period of March 2022 to March 2023.
-
Out to Play - caring for our outdoor spaces
Guidance to make the most of the outdoor spaces your early learning and childcare settings use and caring for the environment through embedding Learning for Sustainability. This guidance supports practitioners to provide high quality outdoor play experiences.
-
Environment - guiding principles: statutory guidance
This guidance provides information on how officials across government should apply the environmental principles when developing policy.
-
Environment - guiding principles consultation: statutory guidance – Parliamentary statement and analysis report
As required by section 18(4) of the UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Continuity) (Scotland) Act 2021 the Scottish Government has provided a parliamentary statement and an analysis report on the consultation on Scotland’s Guiding Principles on the Environment: Statutory Guidance.
-
National Islands Plan review: consultation
We are consulting on a review of the National Islands Plan, published in 2019. This review is required by the Islands (Scotland) Act 2018. We are seeking views on the impact and content of the current National Islands Plan.
-
Biodiversity duty report 2018 to 2020
Report detailing how the Scottish Government furthered the conservation of biodiversity when exercising its functions, during the period 2018 to 2020 inclusive.
-
National Islands Plan: implementation route map 2023
Details how we will deliver on the commitments in the National Islands Plan, over the coming year.
-
Infrastructure Investment Plan 2021-22 to 2025-26: programme pipeline update - March 2023
This pipeline provides information relating to key major infrastructure programmes with an investment of £20 million or more included at Annex D of our Infrastructure Investment Plan, published in February 2021.
-
Infrastructure Investment Plan 2021-22 to 2025-26: progress report 2022 to 2023
Second annual progress report relating to the Infrastructure Investment Plan 2021-22 to 2025-26 which outlines the progress made in relation to the Plan’s three themes during the last year as well as key delivery achievements and activity planned for the coming year.
-
Infrastructure Investment Plan 2021-22 to 2025-26: major capital projects progress update - March 2023
The following information relates to projects with a capital value of £5 million or more which are at the outline business case (or equivalent) approved stage or beyond.
-
Just transition in land use and agriculture: a discussion paper
This discussion paper is intended to support engagement on a just transition for the land use and agriculture sectors. Building on this engagement, a draft targeted action plan and route map (late 23/24) will outline the key steps to delivering a fair transition.
-
Climate Change Committee's (CCC) annual progress report 2022 recommendations: SG response
Scottish Government's response to the Climate Change Committee’s December 2022 report on Scotland’s progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
-
Land reform in a Net Zero nation: consultation analysis
Outlines the findings from an analysis of responses to a public consultation on land reform in a Net Zero nation.
-
Climate change monitoring report 2023
The second annual statutory monitoring report against the updated 2018 Climate Change Plan, as per the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Act 2019.
-
New National Parks - appraisal framework: consultation
We produced an appraisal framework to support the assessment of nominations for new National Park designations in Scotland. This consultation is seeking your views and comments on this and the selection criteria for new National Parks.
-
New National Parks - nomination process and draft appraisal framework: consultation
We produced an appraisal framework to support the assessment of nominations for new National Park designations. This consultation is seeking your views and comments on this and the selection criteria for new National Parks in Scotland.
-
Mobilising private investment in natural capital: report
This report looks at how to encourage responsible private investment into peatland restoration, including how to overcome barriers to scaling voluntary carbon markets to restore peatland in Scotland.
-
Equality, opportunity, community: New leadership - A fresh start
This publication sets out the First Minister’s vision for Scotland and the outcomes he and his government aim to achieve by 2026.
-
National Islands Plan Annual Report 2022
The Islands (Scotland) Act 2018 requires that a report is presented to Parliament each year setting out the progress made towards delivery of the National Islands Plan. This report sets out progress made during the 2022 reporting year.
-
Environment Strategy for Scotland: second progress report
The second annual report to Parliament on progress in developing the Environment Strategy for Scotland, as required under the UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Continuity) (Scotland) Act 2021.
-
Commission for the land-based learning review: report to Scottish Ministers
The report produced by the Commission, a short term advisory group established to provide independent, evidence-based advice and submitted to Scottish Ministers on how to attract more people into land-based and aquaculture sectors by improving learning pathways.
-
Scottish Natural Capital Accounts 2022
This report estimates quantity and value of services supplied by Scotland's natural capital.
-
Rainforest action
Scotland’s commitment to protect unique habitat.
-
Woodland ownership: key data
Key data taken from analyses of a survey of woodland owners carried out between 2012 and 2015.
-
Scottish Forestry - corporate plan: consultation analysis
Results of the consultation on the draft corporate plan for Scottish Forestry, which lays out the proposed direction of travel and priorities for the next three years, the proposed purpose and role, and the three strategic objectives that will frame the delivery of Scottish Forestry’s work.
-
Helping farmers diversify into forestry
Additional £1m available through new Agricultural Transformation Programme.
-
Scottish Forestry corporate plan: consultation
Consultation on the first corporate plan for Scottish Forestry.
-
Farmers to benefit from more land
New entrants to farming industry get help from Scottish Government scheme.
-
Forestry devolution: resource list
Information relating to the devolution of forestry.
-
Scotland's forestry strategy 2019-2029: SEA post adoption statement
Ways in which the findings of the initial strategic environmental assessment (SEA) and the views expressed by consultees have been taken into account within Scotland's Forestry Strategy 2019-2029.
-
Devolution of forestry: administrative arrangements
Final administrative arrangements for devolution of forestry under the Forestry and Land Management (Scotland) Act 2018.
-
Environmental principles and governance after Brexit: consultation
We are seeking to gather evidence on future arrangements for the application of EU environmental principles and for environmental governance in Scotland, in the event that the UK exits the EU.
-
Scotland's Forestry Strategy 2019-2029: business and regulatory impact assessment (BRIA)
How Scotland's Forestry Strategy 2019-2029 may impact on business (including the third sector) and regulation.
-
Scotland's Forestry Strategy 2019-2029: equality impact assessment (EQIA)
How Scotland's Forestry Strategy 2019-2029 may impact on equality, including socio-economic disadvantage. This report includes Fairer Scotland Duty.
-
Scotland's Forestry Strategy 2019-2029: consultation process
This report outlines the approach we took to the consultation and how the views expressed helped to inform the final content and structure of Scotland’s Forestry Strategy 2019-2029.
-
Scotland's Forestry Strategy 2019–2029
Long-term framework for the expansion and sustainable management of Scotland's forests and woodland.
-
Scotland signs up to forestry pledge
First Minister commits to Bonn Challenge.
-
Scotland's Forestry Strategy 2019-2029 draft: strategic environmental assessment (SEA)
Findings of the strategic environmental assessment (SEA) of the consultation draft of Scotland's Forestry Strategy 2019-2029.
-
Support for new tourist resort
Funding for south of Scotland development
-
Scotland's Forestry Strategy 2019-2029 draft: partial BRIA
This partial Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment (BRIA) for Scotland's Forestry Strategy 2019-2029 outlines our assessment of how the draft Forestry Strategy may impact on business (including the third sector) and regulation.
-
Scotland's Forestry Strategy 2019-2029: consultation draft
The consultation draft builds on and modernises the approach undertaken in previous strategies. It provides a 10-year framework for action to help achieve a 50-year vision for Scotland’s woodlands and forests.
-
Forestry Bill passed
Modern approach to forestry backed by MSPs.
-
Modernising forestry
Forestry and Land Management Bill introduced to parliament.