Five ways to talk with your MSP about helping nature

Whether you’re going to Scotland’s mass lobby or speaking to your MSPs or election candidates, here are five actions you can urge politicians to take which will have a positive impact for nature:

1. Introduce strong legal targets to restore nature  

Targets are promised as part of the Natural Environment Bill currently going through the Scottish Parliament. This would put a duty on the Scottish Government to save nature and hold it to its commitment to protect 30% of Scotland’s land and sea for nature by 2030. MSPs must make sure this legislation stays strong and that the targets are set quickly after the Bill is made law, ideally within 12 months.

Ask your MSPs: I’m worried about wildlife disappearing in my local area, will you be pushing for a strong Natural Environment Bill with ambitious targets to restore nature?

2. Invest more in nature-friendly farming, now 

With three-quarters of Scotland farmed, nature-friendly farming has an essential role to play in tackling the nature and climate crisis. Some trailblazing farmers and crofters are already doing their part. They’re producing the food we need whilst restoring habitats for Corncrakes and Curlews, planting species-rich meadows for pollinators, improving soil health and protecting against droughts and floods. But they need much more support from the Scottish Government. That’s why we’re calling for 25% of the farm budget to directly support nature-friendly farming now, rising to 75% by 2031.

Ask your MSPs: To help save iconic species and tackle climate change, farmers and crofters need support. Will your party pledge to invest more in nature-friendly farming?

3. Stop needless wildlife deaths at sea 

Every year thousands of Fulmars, Gannets and other seabirds are killed after being caught in fishing gear off Scotland’s coasts. To help stop this happening, we're calling for the urgent roll-out of remote electronic monitoring on all long-line fishing vessels in Scottish waters. This is a proven and effective tool which helps gather evidence, protect wildlife and support sustainable fishing.

Ask your MSPs: Seabirds are among Scotland’s most precious wildlife, but they’re seriously struggling. Will you support measures to help end the deaths of thousands of seabirds and other wildlife through bycatch?

4. Ensure development enhances nature  

Land use change through development is one of the key drivers of species extinction in Scotland. The new policy of Biodiversity Enhancement should make sure that all development delivers benefits for nature. The Scottish Government must ensure new developments are nature-positive – meaning they actively help reverse nature loss – and contribute to enhancing biodiversity on a landscape scale.

Ask your MSPs: Swifts are in decline across the UK and need urgent action to keep them in our skies. Do you support installing swift bricks in all new homes in Scotland?

5. Increase funding for nature restoration. 

The Nature Restoration Fund (NRF) has been transformative for work to protect and restore nature in Scotland, helping to develop new wetland for waders, clear nesting spaces for Puffins and much more. We need the NRF and other funding pots to be maintained and expanded. So we’re calling for the NRF to grow to £200 million over the course of the next parliament.

Ask your MSPs: The Nature Restoration Fund is a vital lifeline for Scotland’s wildlife; will you call for an increase in its funding to protect more species and restore nature across Scotland?