Nitrate Vulnerable Zones Action Programme review: consultation
We are consulting on our review of the Action Programme for Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (Scotland) Regulations 2008. We are reviewing the measures in the Action Programme to evaluate whether they remain sufficient to achieve the aim of reducing the loss of nitrate from farming to the water environment.
Closed
This consultation closed 13 October 2025.
View this consultation on consult.gov.scot, including responses once published.
1. Purpose
This consultation invites stakeholders to respond to a review of the Action Programme for Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (Scotland) Regulations 2008.
In Scotland, 10% of the land is designated as Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZ). The current Action Programme, introduced on 1 January 2009 and last amended in 2013, contains a set of measures designed to limit the quantities of nitrate lost from farms into Scotland's water environment.
We are reviewing the measures in the current NVZ Action Programme to evaluate whether they remain sufficient to achieve the aims of the Directive. The review considers the latest scientific research and new evidence affecting Action Programme measures - taking account of the variation in agricultural, soil and climatic conditions.
We welcome your views on the proposed review considerations as outlined in this consultation.
Contact
Email: waterenvironment@gov.scot