Scottish Natural Environment Bill introduced

On February 19, 2025, the Scottish Government introduced the Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill, aiming to enhance the nation’s environmental protections.

The Bill is in four parts:

• Part 1 says that the Scottish Government must introduce targets to improve biodiversity.
• Part 2 allows the Scottish Government to make and change laws relating to the Environmental Impact Assessments regime and the Habitats Regulations. This would replace a power that was lost as a result of the UK’s exit from the EU.
• Part 3 updates the aims of National Parks and makes changes to the way National Parks are run.
• Part 4 relates to the management of wild deer.

This Bill has the potential to be a game-changer for Scotland’s nature. It’s introduction marks a step toward strengthening environmental governance and ensuring the preservation of Scotland’s rich biodiversity for future generations.