Forestry
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Ecosystem Restoration Code (ERC): A Competent Model for private investment in nature restoration in Scotland
This Ecosystem Restoration Code (ERC) Competent Model provides a template for further development and testing of a functioning high-integrity market mechanism for investment in nature restoration. It sets out the requirements and criteria that ERC projects would need to meet.
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The Environment Strategy for Scotland
This Environment Strategy is designed to create an integrated framework for Scotland's environment and climate policies. It aims to support a whole-of-government approach for fulfilling Scotland's role in tackling the global crises of nature loss, climate change and pollution.
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Environment Strategy for Scotland: strategic environmental assessment (SEA) post adoption statement
Strategic environmental assessment (SEA) post-adoption statement for the Environment Strategy for Scotland.
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Draft Environment Strategy: consultation analysis
Report analysing responses to a consultation on the draft Environment Strategy for Scotland, which ran from 3 July 2025 to 29 September 2025.
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Scottish Government Response to the Climate Change Committee's Scottish Progress Report 2025
The Scottish Government's response to the Climate Change Committee's report on progress in reducing emissions in Scotland 2025, which was published in February 2026. Laying this response in Scottish Parliament fulfils the duty in section 9(3) of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009.
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Rural Support Plan (RSP)
The Rural Support Plan as required in terms of s2 of the Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Act 2024 outlining the expected use by Scottish Ministers during the plan period of the powers conferred on them by s6 of the Act
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Rural Support Plan (RSP) - Annex
The Rural Support Plan as required in terms of s2 of the Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Act 2024 outlining the expected use by Scottish Ministers during the plan period of the powers conferred on them by s6 of the Act - support within the four tier framework
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Rural Support Plan (RSP) - consultation statement
The Rural Support Plan as required in terms of s2 of the Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Act 2024 outlining the expected use by Scottish Ministers during the plan period of the powers conferred on them by s6 of the Act - statement describing the consultation as required by s4(5)
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National Islands Plan Annual Report 2025
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 2025 reporting year.
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Scotland's Fourth Land Use Strategy: supporting evidence pack
The evidence pack to support Scotland’s Fourth Land Use Strategy. It draws on published materials to provide a baseline understanding of land in Scotland, and aims to increase awareness of the interplay between landscape, land use and ecosystem services.
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Scotland's Fourth Land Use Strategy: 2026-2031
Scotland’s Fourth Land Use Strategy sets out a new vision and objectives to support the development of integrated land use. The strategy covers the next five years and includes a commitment to publish a delivery plan and a refreshed set of land use principles.
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Scotland's fourth land use strategy: consultation analysis
This report provides analysis of responses to a consultation for Scotland’s Fourth Land Use Strategy which ran between 6 August and 5 October 2025.
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Scotland's Fourth Land Use Strategy: islands communities impact assessment
Islands communities impact assessment for Scotland's Fourth Land Use Strategy.
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Scotland's Fourth Land Use Strategy: equality impact assessment
Equality impact assessment for Scotland's Fourth Land Use Strategy.
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Scotland's Fourth Land Use Strategy: child rights and wellbeing impact assessment
Child rights and wellbeing impact assessment for Scotland's Fourth Land Use Strategy.
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Scotland's Fourth Land Use Strategy: Fairer Scotland Duty assessment
Fairer Scotland Duty Assessment for Scotland's Fourth Land Use Strategy.
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Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture Research: Strategy 2027 to 2032
The Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture (ENRA) Research Programme is our major science research funding programme. This strategy outlines our vision, priorities and mechanisms for the next cycle of multidisciplinary research covering the period 2027-2032.
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Land-based learning review and plan – second progress report: SG response
This reports on progress of the recommendations covering the April 2025 to January 2026 period, following the Independent Commission for Land-Based Learning - review and implementation plan: SG response - progress report.
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Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture research strategy 2027-2032: consultation analysis
Findings from a public consultation on a draft version of the Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture (ENRA) research strategy 2027 to 2032. The consultation was open from August to October 2025.
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National Islands Plan 2026: island communities impact assessment
Island communities impact assessment (ICIA) for the new National Islands Plan.
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Landmark Nature Restoration Bill passed
Legal targets to halt biodiversity loss and restore nature.
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Woodland ownership: key data
Key data taken from analyses of a survey of woodland owners carried out between 2015 and 2020.
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Peatland ACTION five year partnership plan 2025 – 2030
This plan is the first in a series of rolling five-year plans designed to deliver Scotland’s long-term vision for peatland restoration. It aims to help the partnership focus on the right priorities, at the right time as we progress toward our proposed 2040 restoration target.
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Forestry and Land Scotland - draft corporate strategic plan 2026-2030: consultation
This is the draft Corporate Strategic Plan for Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) which sets out our proposed direction of travel and priorities for the next five years.
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Ecosystem Restoration Code (ERC): engagement phase results and analysis
Paper describing the results and analysis of the Ecosystem Restoration Code (ERC) engagement phase and the priorities identified for the final stages of the ERC project to January 2026.
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Making the Case for Nature: insights from Scotland's Natural Capital analyses
This report is an analytical review consolidating Scotland's Natural Capital evidence base. Synthesises over a decade of analyses to distil key insights to help inform better decision-making across government, business, and society.
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Scotland's fourth land use strategy: consultation
This consultation paper sets out our proposed approach to the next Land Use Strategy. It seeks your views on the strategic direction and vision for sustainable land use in Scotland, and the objectives, policies and actions that will help deliver it.
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Knowledge Transfer and Innovation Fund
Agriculture support applications open.
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Sustainable and regenerative agriculture: code of practice
Guidance tool that highlights the types of activities that can be adopted on a farm or croft, that will contribute to the development of sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices in Scotland.
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Record levels of peatland restored
Scotland on track to meet interim peatland restoration target.
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Wild Salmon Strategy Implementation Plan: annual progress report 2024
The second annual progress report under the Scottish wild salmon strategy implementation plan covering progress in 2024.
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Scottish biodiversity strategy: report to Parliament 2020 to 2024
This report outlines and summarises progress against actions undertaken during the period 2020-2024 to address the seven outcomes and associated key steps set out in the 2020 Challenge for Scotland’s Biodiversity.
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New National Park decision
No designation for Galloway and Ayrshire.
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Next generation farming
Support for young people into agricultural careers.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Restoring Scotland’s natural environment
New targets to enhance nature and protect biodiversity.
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New deal for agriculture
Flexible grants to drive efficiency, support nature and climate friendly farming.
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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.
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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
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Flood Resilience Strategy: case studies
Examples of diverse initiatives around Scotland that are in some way contributing to our flood resilience.
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Restoring Scotland’s rainforests
£5 million for precious habitat.
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Interactive map
New tool shares information on publicly-owned land.
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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.
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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.
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Crofting law reform
Analysis of consultation responses published.
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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.
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Attracting private investment in nature
Launch of Scotland’s Natural Capital Market Framework.
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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.
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Natural capital: analysis of importance to the economy
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.
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Managing deer for climate and nature: consultation analysis
Analysis of responses to the Scottish Government consultation on 'managing deer for climate and nature'.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Economic impact of forestry
Sector brings £1.1 billion annually.
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Agriculture Bill to become law
Supporting sustainable and regenerative farming and crofting.
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Record high peatland restoration
Improving climate change resilience.
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Agriculture and Rural Communities Bill
Supporting sustainable farming and crofting.
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Land Reform Bill
Transfer test to become part of large rural landholding sales.
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Rural and island community support
Spring Budget needs to invest in environment and food production.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Rainforest action
Scotland’s commitment to protect unique habitat.
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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.
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Helping farmers diversify into forestry
Additional £1m available through new Agricultural Transformation Programme.
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Farmers to benefit from more land
New entrants to farming industry get help from Scottish Government scheme.
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Forestry devolution: resource list
Information relating to the devolution of forestry.
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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.
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Devolution of forestry: administrative arrangements
Final administrative arrangements for devolution of forestry under the Forestry and Land Management (Scotland) Act 2018.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Scotland's Forestry Strategy 2019–2029
Long-term framework for the expansion and sustainable management of Scotland's forests and woodland.
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Scotland signs up to forestry pledge
First Minister commits to Bonn Challenge.
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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.
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Support for new tourist resort
Funding for south of Scotland development
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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.
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Forestry Bill passed
Modern approach to forestry backed by MSPs.
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Modernising forestry
Forestry and Land Management Bill introduced to parliament.