31 August, 2026
New planning tool to help developers improve nature
Scotland’s nature agency has launched a consultation on a new planning tool that will help developers show they are leaving nature in a much better state than they found it.
NatureScot is inviting people to share their views on the Scottish Planning Biodiversity Metric, which will support developers to calculate the value of biodiversity before and after development.
As part of Scotland’s efforts to regenerate nature, it is a requirement under National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) that large-scale developments significantly improve biodiversity.
Following an initial survey of habitats such as grassland, peatland or woodland, the tool will be used to calculate the value of biodiversity before development takes place. It will then let developers calculate how much habitat needs to be created or restored to replace and enhance any biodiversity lost through development.
Nature restoration measures could include creating pollinator-friendly green spaces and connecting wildlife habitats as well as natural flood management techniques such as creating wetlands and planting trees to slow the flow of water or improve drainage.
The consultation will run from today (31 August) until 30 November, with the refined tool being released in spring 2027.
People can take part in the consultation by visiting NatureScot’s website to give feedback on the working tool, user guide and habitat condition assessment.
NatureScot’s Director of Green Economy, Robbie Kernahan said:
“Nature loss and climate change is everyone’s business and developers have an essential part to play in tackling the global crises.
“In Scotland, all large-scale development proposals need to show that they will leave biodiversity in a much better state than before. This supports our ambition to restore and regenerate Scotland’s nature by 2045.
“Working closely with partners, we’ve produced a planning tool that allows developers to calculate the value of biodiversity before and after development takes place and provides a consistent way to demonstrate benefits.
“We aim to publish a refined version of the tool in spring 2027, taking account of the consultation feedback.”
Contact information
- Name
- NatureScot Media
- Telephone
- 0131 316 2655
- media@nature.scot
Notes to editors
Read the Scottish Planning Biodiversity Metric consultation documents.
Read background information on the Scottish Planning Biodiversity Metric.
The Scottish Planning Biodiversity Metric is an adaptation of England’s statutory biodiversity metric, designed to better suit Scotland’s environment and planning policy.
Smaller, local developments should also include actions to restore or improve biodiversity, with advice on how to do that contained in NatureScot’s Developing with Nature guidance.
NatureScot is Scotland's nature agency. Responding to the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change, we work to protect and restore nature by inspiring everyone to value our natural world. Our goal is a nature-rich, net-zero future for Scotland. For more information, visit our website at www.nature.scot
'S e buidheann nàdair na h-Alba a th’ ann an NàdarAlba. Bidh sinn a’ gleidheadh agus a’ slànachadh nàdar le bhith a’ brosnachadh a h-uile duine gu spèis a chur air an t-saoghal nàdarra againn, agus sinn a’ freagairt air an dà chùis-èiginn de chall bith-iomadachd ’s atharrachadh na gnàth-shìde. ’S e ar n-amas nàdar beairteach ’s cothromachadh carboin do dh’Alba. Airson an tuilleadh fiosrachaidh, thoiribh sùil air an làraich-lìn againn aig www.nature.scot
