News 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.
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.
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.
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.
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%.
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.
Brath-naidheachd bho Chom-pàirteachas Dùthaich nam Boglaichean
23 January, 2025
Thèid Dùthaich nam Boglaichean, Làrach Dualchas na Cruinne ann an Alba, a chomharradh aig cùirm shònraichte nach fhacas a-riamh roimhe
Scotland’s Flow Country World Heritage Site to receive premiere performance
23 January, 2025
Scotland’s Flow Country World Heritage Site to receive world premiere performance
Study finds rocky seashore species in Scotland affected by climate change
22 January, 2025
An increase in the temperature of Scotland’s seas over the last decade is changing the types of animals and plants found on rocky shores in Scotland to those that favour warmer waters, a NatureScot study has found.
Community rallies to face Bettyhill bumblebee emergency
21 January, 2025
Members of the community in Bettyhill are coming together to help save local population of one of the UK’s rarest bumblebees, the Great Yellow, as rocketing rabbit numbers threaten Farr Glebe meadow.