A new law requiring owners of large landholdings in Scotland to publish plans on how they will increase biodiversity has been backed by members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) as part of the Land Reform Bill. The Scottish Rewilding Alliance, along with thousands of supporters, has been advocating for this change as part of their ‘rewilding nation’ campaign.
The legislation will mandate landowners with holdings over 1,000 hectares to outline their efforts in enhancing biodiversity and addressing climate change. Steve Micklewright, co-convenor of the Scottish Rewilding Alliance and CEO of Trees for Life, emphasized the significance of this new law in Scotland’s journey towards becoming a rewilding nation. He stressed the crucial role large estates play in ecosystem restoration and combating climate and biodiversity crises.
In addition to biodiversity enhancement, landowners will also need to demonstrate compliance with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, adhere to deer management guidelines, and contribute towards achieving net-zero emissions. While many responsible landowners are already taking steps towards nature restoration, the new regulations will ensure all large landowners consult on and publish their land management plans.
The Scottish Rewilding Alliance highlights the pivotal role that Scotland’s largest landholdings have in ecosystem repair, climate mitigation, and adaptation. With over 1,800 landholdings exceeding 1,000 hectares in Scotland, the need for comprehensive land management plans is crucial for effective data collection and monitoring of nature restoration efforts.
This amendment to the Land Reform Bill was proposed by Ariane Burgess, Scottish Greens MSP for the Highlands and Islands, and received bipartisan support in Parliament. While the Alliance acknowledges this milestone, they urge the Scottish Government to be more ambitious in supporting large landowners in biodiversity restoration and ecosystem health maintenance.
Despite the government’s commitment to protecting 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030, only 2.5% of Scotland’s land is currently undergoing rewilding efforts. At the current rate of progress, it will take 65 years to reach the target of major nature restoration on 30% of the country’s land. Therefore, increased support and funding are essential to accelerate nature restoration efforts and achieve significant progress in Scotland’s rewilding goals.
