Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill Stage 1 Briefing

Scotland is facing a pressing biodiversity and nature crisis. Our biodiversity is more depleted than many countries in the world. We have highly degraded ecosystems where at least 75% of our peatlands are damaged and unsustainable wild deer populations in many areas that prevent nature regeneration. Urgent action is needed.  

We have published a briefing ahead of Stage 1 debate on the Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill 2025 ahead of Stage 1 debate. We welcome the Stage 1 report on the Bill from the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee and believe it can improve and strengthen existing legislation and provide an important step towards tackling Scotland’s nature emergencies. Our full briefing can be read below.