Scotland’s new nature Bill could put wildlife at risk

UPDATE: On Wednesday, 26 November, MSPs voted to remove Part 2 of the Natural Environment Bill. This is brilliant news! However, the Scottish Government could still bring Part 2 back in the Bill's final stage. We must make sure this doesn't happen - please help by emailing your MSPs.

Posted: Tue 11th Nov 2025

Scotland is known for its outstanding natural beauty, from its shimmering lochs and rugged mountains to its ancient woodlands bursting with autumnal colour. But all is not as it seems.  

Scotland is actually one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world. Vast areas of precious habitats have been lost or damaged, and more than 800 species are facing national extinction.  

If nothing changes, we could lose iconic species like Red Squirrels, Puffins, Wildcats and Swifts from Scotland forever. But this future isn’t set in stone. Right now, we have a once-in-a-generation chance to turn things around.

The Natural Environment Bill has the potential to be a game-changer for Scotland’s wildlife. It could finally set strong, legally-binding targets to help nature recover and bring in simple but effective measures, like swift bricks, to help our most threatened species. 

Strong and ambitious nature targets could help bring our landscapes bursting back to life again. It could drive the action Scotland’s nature desperately needs and help save our most iconic species.

Simple, practical actions, like making Swift bricks mandatory in all new developments, could make a huge difference for endangered wildlife.

But there is a problem. One section of the Natural Environment Bill puts Scotland’s most precious species and habitats at risk – from the Gannets breeding at the Bass Rock to the Golden Eagles soaring over the Cairngorms.

Part 2 of the Bill would give Scottish Ministers new powers which could weaken Scotland's most fundamental environmental protections: Environmental Impact Assessment and the Habitats Regulations.

That’s not what a nature Bill should do.

The Natural Environment Bill should be a turning point for nature. Instead, Part 2 risks leaving Scotland's wildlife more vulnerable than ever.  

We’ve made it easy for you to write to your MSPs to urge them to support strong nature targets and specific measures like Swift bricks, and to call for Part 2 to be scrapped. 

Take part in our action now, it just takes two minutes.