Biodiversity resources cover conservation, rewilding and ecology in rural Scotland. We are currently experiencing the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss. These resources explore the work happening to restore biodiversity and some of the central debates on this issue.

Key Policies in Scotland

Strategies related to biodiversity and conservation in Scotland.

Biodiversity: Key Policies in Scotland

Scottish Biodiversity Strategy

Visit this page to read about Scotland’s Biodiversity Strategy and further updates and reporting. The Scottish Biodiversity Strategy Coordination Group is chaired by NatureScot.

Wildlife Management Policy

Read about the Scottish Government’s Wildlife Management Policy. They list the range of bills and legislation that inform wildlife management in Scotland.

Policy Campaign

The John Muir Trust is running a policy campaign to introduce a Carbon Emissions Land Tax. The aim is to encourage landowners to maximise the carbon sequestration potential of their land and the public benefits that come with this effort. The Trust also share how you can support the campaign.

Scottish Biodiversity Strategy

Visit this page to read about The Scottish Biodiversity Strategy for 2045. This is the draft document for consultation. The release of the final strategy is imminent.

How is biodiversity faring?

These reports explore the state of nature in Scotland and plans for nature recovery, from woodlands to peatlands, to beavers!

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State of Nature

NatureScot’s State of Nature report (2019). The report brings together the best available data on Scotland’s biodiversity. It focuses on trends in species as the key evidence of how nature is faring.

The multiple roles of Scottish Woodlands

This briefing provides an overview of existing policies and strategies related to forest creation, management, and use in Scotland for multiple objectives.

Beavers in Knapdale

Scottish Wildlife Trust’s report on their project to reintroduce the beaver to Scotland.

All about peatlands

John Muir Trust’s one stop shop for everything you want to know about peatlands.

Deer management for conservation

A report by Scottish Environment LINK’s Deer Group on deer management to best support the climate, communities and conservations.

Protected areas and nature recovery

British Ecological Society’s report on protected areas and how effectively they are protecting nature and biodiversity.

A short video from the Scottish Rewilding Alliance on ‘Scotland: What will you choose?’

The Cull is an award-winning documentary that explores the controversial topic of deer management in the Scottish Highlands, illustrating the complexity of a debate which has been going on for decades.