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Latest press releases

Making space for beavers could help woodland creation

13 February, 2025

Careful design could help new woodlands thrive in areas where beavers are present, according to a new report.

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NatureScot report shows a 2.9 percent long-term increase in how Scottish nature benefits people

12 February, 2025

A new study has shown that overall there have been increases in the ability of nature to contribute to our wellbeing, with marked improvements in agricultural habitats and the number of people spending time in nature, compared to 2000 levels.

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An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland: Natural Capital Asset Index (NCAI) up to 2022

12 February, 2025

NatureScot has today released the latest figures tracking the Natural Capital Asset Index (NCAI) up to 2022. The NCAI looks at how well nature is able to contribute to people’s wellbeing through a range of ecosystem services and characteristics. Natural capital underpins many Scottish policy areas across 11 broad categories, ranging from farming to economics to community safety.

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Scotland marks 20 years of world-leading access to the outdoors

09 February, 2025

Today (9 February), Scotland celebrates the 20th anniversary of the groundbreaking and world-leading Scottish Outdoor Access Code and responsible rights of access for the public to land and water in Scotland.

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Majority of Scotland’s breeding bird species show population increase

05 February, 2025

The latest official statistic report of 66 Scottish terrestrial breeding bird species shows increases for 36 of them between 1994 and 2023, with 23 species indicator results showing decline and seven remaining stable. Woodland birds have seen the largest indicator increase of over 50%. Chiffchaff numbers have increased 1428% - most probably driven by increasing temperatures – as well as great spotted woodpeckers by 699% and blackcap by 593%. 

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An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland: Index of Abundance for Scottish terrestrial breeding birds, 1994 to 2023

05 February, 2025

NatureScot has today released the latest figures tracking the abundance of Scotland’s terrestrial breeding birds.

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