Five ways the next Scottish Government can help save nature

As we count down towards the next Scottish election in May 2026, it seems fitting to reflect on the last four years and look ahead to what the next Scottish Parliament can do for nature.

There have been some real wins for nature since the last Holyrood election in May 2021. The landmark Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act aims to end the persecution of iconic birds of prey like Golden Eagles and Hen Harriers by introducing stronger regulations for grouse shooting. The Act will also improve the regulation of muirburn, giving more protection to peatland.

There was also the historic ban on sandeel fishing in Scottish waters, a lifeline for iconic seabirds like Puffins which are facing multiple threats – including climate change, unsustainable fishing, and invasive species. And the Nature Restoration Fund continues to support species like Lapwing, Curlew and Little Ringed Plover, and local communities by creating natural resilience against climate change and flooding.

But there have also been some serious losses for nature; the nature and climate emergency continues to be the single greatest threat to Scotland’s wildlife, but progress to tackle it has been dangerously slow. Climate targets have been missed and the pledge to protect 30% of land and sea by 2030 is lagging. Nowhere near enough of Scotland’s farm funding has gone towards nature-friendly farming – a vital part of the solution for nature and climate. Meanwhile, Scotland remains one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world, with 1 in 9 species at risk of disappearing from Scotland altogether.

What happens in the next Scottish Parliament matters for nature and all of us. If urgent action is taken to protect and restore our natural world, it will create a Scotland that is healthier, more resilient and leading the world on one of the most important issues of our time.

We’ve put together five key actions the next Scottish Government can take to help save nature. These will tackle urgent challenges on land and at sea – supporting our most remote communities, protecting our most vulnerable species, and directing money to where it can have the greatest impact. By prioritising these five actions from day one, the next Scottish Government can demonstrate global leadership on addressing the nature crisis.

1. Introduce legal nature targets: Halt biodiversity loss and protect 30% of Scotland's land and seas by 2030 by introducing statutory nature targets through the Natural Environment Act.
2. Invest more in nature-friendly farming: Dedicate at least 25% of farm funding in 2026 to delivering nature-friendly farming, rising to 75% by the end of the Parliament.
3. Stop needless wildlife deaths at sea: By the end of 2026, expand the roll out of Remote Electronic Monitoring to long-line vessels to help end seabird, and other wildlife, bycatch.
4. Ensure development enhances nature: Ensure new developments, both on land and at sea, are nature-positive and contribute to strategic biodiversity enhancement at scale.
5. Increase funding for nature: Increase the size of the Nature Restoration Fund to £200 million over the course of the next parliament to help save more key species, improve environmental resilience, and counteract inflation.

In the run up to the election we will be explaining in-depth why we think each of these priorities is so important, and just what it will mean for nature if our politicians commit to them. In the meantime, we will continue to work with the current Parliament to bring about real and tangible results for our natural world.

The election might be in less than a year, but there is lots to do before polling day. We encourage everyone to be a voice for nature in their community by speaking to your MSPs and election candidates, signing up our campaigns updates, and keeping an eye out for our social media posts to see the latest ways to get involved.