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Publication - Minutes

Biodiversity PAG External Engagement minutes: 16 October 2025

Published
3 July 2026
Directorate
Environment and Forestry Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change
Date of meeting
16 October 2025
Location
Microsoft Teams

Minutes from the external engagement sessions for the Biodiversity PAG proposed indicators on 16 October 2025, delivered by the Nature Targets Policy Team, RESAS and NatureScot.

Part of

Attendees and apologies

Scottish Government

  • Aisling Duncan, Team Leader Nature Targets  
  • Jack Bloodworth, Principal Science Adviser
  • Rebecca-Katie Sinclair, Policy Officer 
  • David O'Brien, NatureScot

External stakeholders – 28 attendees

  • James Hutton Institute
  • NatureScot
  • FEL Scotland
  • City of Edinburgh Council
  • FMS
  • Highland Council
  • Verture
  • Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park Authority
  • Falkirk Council
  • SRUC
  • Aberdeen City Council
  • Dundee University
  • Glasgow City Council
  • Stirling University
  • Fire Scotland
  • National Records of Scotland
  • North Ayrshire Council
  • The Conservation Trust
  • West Lothian Council

Items and actions

Meeting agenda 

The aim of this session is to: 

  • Provide a recap on the 4-step selection process for targets 
  • Inform on the process of selecting indicators using expert advice 
  • Present the proposed PAG recommended indicators 
  • Engage with externals on the proposed indicators 

Welcome and introductions 

Purpose and aims and structure of session explained.   

Actions  

N/A

Presentation  

From slide 2.

Actions  

Share slide pack with attendees - closed

Question and answer

The website link to the National Performance Framework (NPF) shows that NPF has been archived, do you have an update on this?

Response was provided via email:

The National Performance Framework (NPF) website has been archived following the latest statutory review of the National Outcomes. The Scottish Government has committed to a reform process to develop a more strategic and impactful framework. While the current National Outcomes remain in effect, work is underway to launch the next iteration of the NPF around the start of the new parliamentary session and government.

Has there been any thought given to indicators in terms of biomass quantity?

Both quality and quantity indicators are being explored through the Red List of Ecosystems and the Scottish Government’s current indicator sets, which aim to cover both marine and terrestrial environments. There is flexibility to incorporate new data, such as the national LiDAR scan, which will provide a 3D view of vegetation and could enhance biomass assessments. While this data is not yet integrated, it holds potential for future use.

How do herbivore numbers factor into indicators?

Herbivore impacts are big drivers in both the habitat condition extent, and the Red List of Ecosystems. Herbivore impact has shown as an adverse pressure throughout NatureScot’s various ecosystem assessments of Scotland. The Scottish Government currently do not have an indicator which solely looks at herbivore numbers; however, it is included in the habitat and ecosystem indicators as mentioned earlier, and this is vital. The Scottish Government have published Action and Delivery plans on the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy, which includes actions that relate to deer management.

Actions  

Source update on National Performance Framework – closed
Share questionnaire link in chat – closed
Allow access to questionnaire - closed

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