Increase public connection and action for nature through expanding the reach of the Make Space for Nature campaign and develop a national nature volunteer and citizen science frameworks.
Objective 6: Take action on the indirect drivers of biodiversity loss
Priority Action 28. Engage and strengthen the connection between people and communities with nature.
Public engagement with nature is being supported through campaigns such as Make Space for Nature, which provides seasonal guidance and encourages nature-friendly actions. However, available information does not include a published, system-wide evaluation of its impact on behaviour change or ecological outcomes.
Scotland has a wide range of nature volunteering and citizen science initiatives delivered by public bodies, NGOs, local groups and research organisations. These include conservation volunteering, species recording programmes and community science projects that make an important contribution to nature recovery.
In June 2026, NatureScot published the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy Framework for Developing the Contribution of Nature-based Volunteering and Citizen Science. The Framework provides a shared national approach to strengthening, supporting and growing volunteering and citizen science across Scotland. Implementation is now underway, with organisations being invited to sign up and contribute to its delivery.
Nature volunteering and citizen science contribute to nature recovery by increasing public participation, improving biodiversity monitoring and generating data that supports conservation planning and management. They also help build public support for nature recovery and expand the capacity to deliver conservation action across Scotland.
The publication of the national Framework provides a stronger foundation for coordinating activity across sectors. Its success will depend on widespread adoption, effective implementation and continued collaboration between delivery partners to maximise participation and ecological outcomes.
NatureScot – Make Space for Nature
Develop a communication and engagement programme to raise awareness and understanding of the importance of biodiversity and its links to climate change and the changes needed to ensure a just transition to a net zero and nature-positive Scotland.
Encourage people’s connection to nature through local green spaces and other land managed for nature, supporting capacity-building projects.
Work with stakeholders to complete a review of opportunities for increasing community participation in safeguarding marine biodiversity.
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