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Response for Nature Scotland
Stephen Falk
R E SP O NSE FO R NAT U R E : SC O TL A N D
Nature matters
S
cotland’s wonderful nature is People love nature
vital for our society, culture and
economy. It enriches our lives and Public attitudes and support for nature reflect the range
provides us with essential services: from of reasons why nature conservation is important:
flood protection and the pollination of
our crops and flowers, to boosting our 88% of the UK population believe that
health and well-being.
biodiversity is indispensable for the production
As well as many practical reasons of goods, such as food, fuel and medicines.
for conserving species, habitats and
important sites, which are often 90% feel that our well-being and quality of life
undervalued and overlooked, there
is a strong ethical case for nature is based on nature and biodiversity.
conservation. We are taking more
from the natural world than we 94% agree we have a moral obligation to halt
are putting back, leaving less for biodiversity loss.1
ourselves and future generations,
and creating a nature deficit.
In some cases, we are pushing
natural resources beyond thresholds “The natural world, its biodiversity and its constituent
from which they may never recover.
In others, we are simply using them ecosystems are critically important to our well-being
up. We should address this deficit
and hand on a country richer in
and economic prosperity.”2
nature to the next generation.
Access to green and blue spaces
improves our health and well-being,
and helps to deepen our relationship
with the natural world
Mark Hamblin (rspb-images.com)
R E SP ONSE FO R NAT UR E 2 0 1 5 3
R E SPO NSE FO R NAT URE : S COT LA N D
Nature is in trouble
I
n 2013, 25 of the UK’s nature Pressures on nature Our response
conservation and research There are five main pressures In this document, our “Response”,
organisations came together to on nature4: we set out some of the key actions
produce the State of Nature report, that the Scottish Government must
setting out the state of our wildlife3. habitat change (loss, degradation take both to deliver its own 2020
This groundbreaking report highlighted and fragmentation) commitments5 and as building blocks
significant and worrying population of a 25-year plan for nature.
declines, and revealed that far more climate change
species were declining than increasing These actions are based on a detailed
in the UK, including some of our most pollution analysis of existing conservation
treasured wildlife. mechanisms and how they could be
over-exploitation improved. For the full list of actions
Trends in Scotland were largely and details of how we carried out the
similar to those in the rest of the UK. invasive non-native species. analysis, please see our full report6.
For example, 54% of flowering plants
were found to be declining, with half These pressures are all driven by Businesses also have an important role
of these declining strongly. Other taxa our consumption patterns and to play in saving nature. As a result,
showed similar trends, but one of the are exacerbated by our increasing organisations involved in the State
strongest messages was that we need disconnection from nature. of Nature partnership will be working
to know more about how Scottish This document sets out actions with key businesses to identify ways in
nature is faring. Through this document, that are needed to address these which the sector can help to improve
environmental organisations commit to pressures and enable nature the fortunes of nature across the UK.
further monitoring, especially through to recover.
citizen science programmes, and
reporting through updates to the State
of Nature report. These commitments
need to be matched by government,
agencies and academic commitment
to better understand the state of
Scotland’s nature.
Key findings of the State of Nature report
60% of the 3,148 species that were assessed
had declined in the last 50 years, and 31%
had declined strongly.
A new Watchlist Indicator assessing the state
of 155 priority species showed that they had
Blaeberry
bumblebee
declined by 77% in the last 40 years.
One in ten of the 6,000 species assessed using
modern Red List criteria are thought to be at
risk of extinction in the UK.
We know less about some taxonomic groups,
such as non-insect invertebrates, fungi and
many marine species. But if they are following
Stephen Falk
the trends we know about, they are also likely
to be suffering significant declines.
4 R E SP O N SE FO R NATURE 2 0 1 5
Our vision for nature
T
he State of Nature report revealed should be achieved, but even if all the actions, on reserved matters, needed to
where we are; now we need a “route map” actions are completed, enhance Scotland’s nature. These two
plan for where we should go. we will still be short of fully achieving actions should deliver a wider vision
We welcome the Scottish Government’s the Aichi targets8 for Scotland. and meet our international obligations.
commitment in principle to conserve
and enhance our biodiversity – as set In addition, the Scottish Government There are many existing conservation
out in its 2020 Challenge for Scotland’s must now begin to think beyond measures that help nature; however,
Biodiversity5. The Scottish Government 2020, and develop its own plan to fully a range of factors are limiting their
has also published a “route map”7 restore Scotland’s biodiversity by 2040. effectiveness. Addressing these
setting out the major actions it, and First, it should develop a long-term will allow us to do more for nature.
others, are taking or will take to achieve vision for Scotland’s nature. Second, it To turn around the fortunes of
the goals set out in the 2020 Challenge. must engage with the UK Government’s nature in Scotland we need
In the five years to 2020, progress 25-year plan to restore the UK’s long-term commitment and we
towards the 2020 Challenge targets biodiversity9 to ensure it delivers the need to act now, before it is too late.
1. Set an inspiring 2. Fully implement, 3. Deliver a
vision defend and network of
develop existing special places
nature legislation for nature
4. Reinvigorate 5. Safeguard and
management of restore species
special places
WE RECOMMEND THAT
SCOTLAND’S PLAN MUST:
6. Improve access 7. Improve
to justice for understanding
nature of, and support
for, nature
9. Include
milestones and
regular reporting 10. Support people
8. Ensure the right on the state working
incentives work of Scotland’s together
for nature nature for nature
R E SP ONSE FO R NAT UR E 2 0 1 5 5
R E SPO NSE FO R NAT URE : S COT LA N D
The Loch Lomond and Trossachs
National Park should form a key part
What nature needs
T
of a national ecological network of
connected special places o ensure its recovery, nature
needs the Government to
take a number of actions.
1 Set an inspiring vision
Put simply, nature needs to be
part of our lives. By mid-century we
want to see:
A country richer in nature on land
and at sea – with healthy habitats,
thriving species and more protection
for a network of special places.
People connected to nature,
appreciating wildlife and wild places,
and benefitting from the improved
health and prosperity they can provide.
Decision-makers who recognise
that restoring nature is a key
solution to some of our most
pressing social, economic and
environmental problems.
Some actions we propose are new,
but our analysis also identified a
range of factors that are limiting the
effectiveness of existing conservation
measures – in particular, the need
for better use of resources and better
implementation and enforcement of
existing legislation.
2 Fully implement,
defend and develop
nature legislation
Nature legislation in Scotland needs
to be fully implemented and enforced.
In particular, there should be a focus on:
The Nature Conservation (Scotland)
Act 2004, with its biodiversity duty
and provisions for the management
of protected sites.
The Climate Change (Scotland) Act
2009, with its world-leading targets
which, if met, would contribute to
Andy Hay (rspb-images.com)
addressing one of the fundamental
drivers of biodiversity loss. The
Scottish Government should also
focus on the Land Use Strategy, with
its potential to integrate biodiversity
into wider landscape management.
6 R E SP O N SE FO R NATURE 2 0 1 5
The Marine (Scotland) Act 2010,
with its unused potential to Red squirrels are benefitting from
a targeted partnership programme.
contribute to restoring Scotland’s
Similar measures are needed to
outstanding marine biodiversity. help other species
One issue where urgent action
is required is invasive non-native
species (INNS). These represent one
of the most significant threats to the
conservation of nature in Scotland:
from the impact of rhododendron on
our Western Atlantic woodlands, to the
threat of the introduced grey squirrel
to its native red cousin. Preventing
colonisation is the highest priority
and the most cost-effective action.
However, we also need early detection
and eradication, or appropriate control
measures on established populations.
Dean Bricknell (rspb-images.com)
The Wildlife and Natural Environment
(Scotland) Act 2011 (WANE Act)
includes the most comprehensive
legislation on INNS in the UK, but it
needs more pro-active implementation
– for example, species control
agreements and bans on the sale
of INNS. We need:
Strategic planning and action
to tackle marine and terrestrial
pathways of INNS into and through well managed and for links between Undertake a national mapping
Scotland, using a combination of them to be established, is widely exercise, identifying opportunities,
the EU regulation and enhanced recognised – for instance, in the constraints and missing links in the
implementation of the WANE Act. 2020 Challenge and the Government’s network at all scales. New areas
National Planning Framework 310. should also be designated, and
Our survey of, and discussions with, Non-governmental organisations new features added into existing
experts took place during late 2014 (NGOs) have been pressing for the designations, under the Nature
and early 2015, when the EU and concept of a National Ecological Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004
its member states were considering Network to be more deeply embedded or Marine (Scotland) Act 2010.
the future of the Birds and Habitats in policy – and to be delivered on
Directives (collectively known as the
Nature Directives). There was clear
agreement that the top priority was
the ground by central and local
government, land managers, businesses
and NGOs11. Such an approach, which
4 Reinvigorate management
of special places
As well as designating special sites,
for the Government to: is consistent with the best ecological we must go further and manage
thinking elsewhere in the UK12, should them more effectively for nature.
Resist attempts in Europe to involve, as a priority:
weaken the Nature Directives We recommend that the Scottish
and work to improve their Establishing the National Ecological Government should:
implementation in Scotland. Network (NEN) to integrate
protected areas, land use and natural Reinvigorate the management
3 Deliver a network
of special places for
nature on land and at sea
habitats, both on land and at sea,
in an ecologically coherent way.
of protected areas, on land and
at sea, to deliver favourable
conservation status, restore natural
The importance of special places An important precursor to the processes and take better account
for wildlife, the need for these to be implementation of the NEN will be to: of the dynamic nature of habitats.
R E SP ONSE FO R NAT UR E 2 0 1 5 7
R E SPO NSE FO R NAT URE : S COT LA N D
5 Safeguard and restore species
Our vision includes halting species
extinctions in Scotland, but in addition
That’s 250 too many. The crimes included
persecuting badgers, poisoning birds of
prey and trading in some of the world’s
Scottish Government should consider
legislation to increase sentences, or
better regulate activities associated
to this, we should also be restoring most endangered species. There is no room with high levels of wildlife crime.
natural processes and priority species for complacency – last year saw one of the We need:
to favourable conservation status. worst ever bird of prey poisoning cases.”13
So, as well as the actions taken on Enhanced effectiveness of police
protected sites, and the ecological Dr McLeod is right – there is no room investigations and the prosecutions
network in which they sit, we also need: for complacency, but there is also a of wildlife crime by Procurators
need to enhance the efforts of the Fiscal. Higher fines or longer
A more structured approach to authorities tasked with investigating prison sentences should be used, or
species interventions. This should and prosecuting such crimes. legislated for, to deter wildlife crime.
be based on prioritised, targeted
and planned species recovery
programmes, which are focused
on species on the State of Nature
This means more resources for,
and stronger efforts by, both Police
Scotland and the Procurators Fiscal.
6 Improve access to
justice for nature
Nature needs more support from
Watchlist. Reintroductions should NGOs have sought to stimulate debate key decision-makers in government,
also be included, where appropriate. on how these resources and efforts and in the business and NGO sectors.
might be delivered14,15, and will work This support will be greater if public
In 1998, the then Secretary of State for constructively with Police Scotland policy decisions affecting nature are
Scotland, Donald Dewar, described the and the Procurators Fiscal to make subject to fair review and challenge.
level of raptor persecution in Scotland this happen.
as “a national disgrace”. More than 15 A fair and open system of review
years later, the current Environment Politicians should also continue to will ensure a body of case law that
Minister, Dr Aileen McLeod MSP, wrote: speak out against these crimes, and leads to better, more consistent and
encourage the courts to recognise more transparent decision making.
“In the past year, between April 2014 public outrage and use the full extent This will benefit both nature and the
and February 2015, almost 250 wildlife of their powers in imposing sentences. people and businesses that rely on
crimes were recorded by Police Scotland. If this does not increase deterrence, the the quality of decision making.
Hen harriers are likely to benefit
from improved enforcement of
wildlife crime legislation
Mark Hamblin (rspb-images.com)
8 R E SP O N SE FO R NATURE 2 0 1 5
Many social and economic decisions
are subject to such reviews, however The flower-rich machair of the Hebrides and their
culturally important communities would both
this is not the case for the environment. benefit from greater support for High Nature
The environment cannot speak up for Value farming systems
itself – members of society have to
speak up on its behalf.
This issue is recognised by the UN’s
Aarhus Convention, which requires
access to review procedures for
environmental decisions that are
independent, address the merits and
are not prohibitively expensive. Photo suggestion: Green hospital
grounds
We urge the Scottish Government to:
Deliver Aarhus-compliant access
to justice in relation to decisions
affecting nature.
In Scotland, the only means to
Mark Hamblin (rspb-images.com)
challenge or seek a review of a decision
by a public official is through a Judicial
Review. This is undoubtedly an
independent procedure, but its ability
to address merits is extremely limited,
and it is often prohibitively expensive.
It is encouraging that the Scottish
Government is committed to
publishing an options paper on
environmental courts16.
We believe that:
The establishment of an
8 Ensure the right
incentives work for nature
Every year, several hundred million
There is strong evidence from around
Europe18,19,20 that tailored agri-environment
schemes can and do benefit target
environmental court or tribunal, pounds of taxpayers’ money is paid to species. Such schemes need to be
subject to adequate terms on Scotland’s land managers in agricultural better resourced and targeted to
standing and costs, could provide for and other subsidies. The payments are maximise benefits for nature. While
Aarhus-compliant access to justice. also subject to compliance with a range paying for good land management,
of conditions, as well as with laws and we must not simultaneously pay for
7 Improve understanding
of, and support for, nature
Today’s young people will be the next
regulations affecting water, deer and
forest management. This public money
and the parallel regulations need to be
damaging or polluting actions. We
must acknowledge the knock-on
effects of some management practices
stewards of the natural environment. realigned to ensure that they deliver on nature, and remove and eliminate
Our long-term vision must include maximum public benefit. These public the perverse subsidies that incentivise
action for them to learn about, benefits must include nature, clean pollution and degradation.
and connect with, nature. This will water, carbon storage and public access.
encourage them to enjoy nature and We urge the Scottish Government to:
want to save it, now and in the future. The Scottish Government should:
Support and enhance sustainable
The Scottish Government should: Implement Common Agricultural High Nature Value farming and
Policy (CAP) Pillar I and II schemes forestry systems, discouraging either
Improve young Scots’ connection to and conditions required for funding, intensification or abandonment.
nature by the full implementation in order to maximise habitat
of the Learning for Sustainability restoration opportunities. Ensure In parallel, we must ensure that
recommendations17, in particular that the new Scottish advisory regulations – such as those implementing
to ensure that learning about and service is well supported and has the Water Framework Directive or
caring for nature form a key part the expertise in-house to advise on requiring the sustainable management
of the Curriculum for Excellence. positive biodiversity management. of deer – are properly enforced.
R E SP ONSE FO R NAT UR E 2 0 1 5 9
R E SPO NSE FO R NAT URE : S COT LA N D
9 Include milestones and
regular reporting on the
state of Scotland’s nature
10 Support people working
together for nature
To save nature, we all need to play our
Work with the Scottish Government
to engage significantly more people
in biodiversity issues, be aware of its
The State of Nature report highlighted part. We need all of society to care value, and take positive action.
the need to know more about how about, and take action for, nature.
Scottish nature is faring. It is important Now more than ever, governments Give a regular update on what is
that the long-term plan addresses this. and environmental organisations happening to nature through the
If we are to meet our long-term vision, need to work together, alongside State of Nature report.
the plan will need to be evidence-based businesses and civil society to help
and properly monitored, to allow nature to help us. Continue to provide a high level
us to track progress and amend of support to our excellent citizen
action accordingly. While the above asks are specifically scientists, by providing opportunities
required of government, we realise that for them to volunteer and become
In the short term, we will need to align environmental organisations must play more involved in this work.
with the existing commitments in the their part too.
2020 Challenge, which should provide Care for the places that we own and
the first 5-year milestones. By working together, the conservation manage, and make improvements
movement will: to benefit nature and, where
We recommend that the Scottish possible, deliver benefits for
Government should: Continue to work proactively people’s well-being.
across all sectors to inspire people.
Consider new legislation to Work with the Scottish Government
strengthen current laws through Continue to work with progressive and its agencies, providing our
clear targets, accountability and land managers, communities and expertise when necessary.
reporting – all linked to the businesses to identify how we
25-year vision referred to above. can benefit nature. Speak up for nature and, wherever
needed, play our role in holding the
Scottish Government to account.
Outdoor learning can improve
young Scots’ connection to nature
and should form a key part of the
Curriculum for Excellence
Andy Hay (rspb-images.com)
10 R E SP O N SE FO R NATURE 2 0 1 5Sue Kennedy (rspb-images.com)
References
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14: Tingay RE (2015) Natural Injustice – Paper I: A review of the Please cite this report as:
6: Richards P, Austin L, Bladwell S, Bourn N, Bullock D, Burns F, enforcement of wildlife protection legislation in Scotland. Scottish Response for Nature partnership (2015) Response for Nature: Scotland.
Comont R, Freeman H, Knott J, McDevitt AM and Wynde R Environment LINK, Perth, Scotland.
(2015) Response for Nature evidence report. Response for Nature
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Sustainability: The report of the One Planet Schools Working Group.
9: The UK Conservative Party Manifesto (2015), UK Parliamentary Available at: gov.scot.
elections. Page 55.The Response for Nature: Scotland report is a collaboration between the
23 conservation organisations listed below:
THE
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CONSERVATION TRUST D-005
THE
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CONSERVATION TRUST D-006
THE
FUNGUS
CONSERVATION TRUST
D-007
Sue Kennedy (rspb-images.com)
THE
FUNGUS
CONSERVATION TRUST D-008
THE
FUNGUS
CONSERVATION TRUST D-009
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