The RBMPs aims and objectives for the 2021-27 period, and the associated programme of measures aim to ensure that 81% of all Scotland’s waterbodies (rivers, lochs, groundwater, transitional (estuary/ firth) and coastal waters) achieve a ‘good’ or better classification by 2027 and continue to improve as natural conditions recover beyond that date.
Objective 1: Accelerate ecosystem restoration and regeneration
Priority Action 2. Introduce a Programme of Ecosystem Restoration
Scotland’s River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs) 2021–2027 remain in force as statutory plans, setting out objectives for improving the condition of Scotland’s water bodies. Delivery is being taken forward through ongoing regulatory action and monitoring by SEPA, alongside targeted programmes of measures to reduce pressures such as pollution, physical modification, and abstraction.
Progress towards the 2027 target is being tracked through SEPA’s water environment classification system, with continued incremental improvements expected over the plan period. Implementation is ongoing rather than complete, with delivery dependent on coordinated action across sectors including agriculture, industry, and urban development.
SEPA River Basin Management Plans provide a statutory framework for improving water body condition, supported by regulatory controls and targeted measures to reduce key pressures such as pollution and physical modification.
Monitoring shows gradual improvements in some water bodies, but progress is uneven and depends heavily on coordinated delivery across multiple sectors, including agriculture, industry and urban development. While the framework is well established, achieving the 2027 target will require sustained pressure reduction across catchments, and current evidence suggests improvements are incremental rather than system-wide.
SEPA – River Basin Management Planning
SEPA – Water Environment Hub (classification data)
SEPA – River Basin Management Plan 2021–2027
Collate, review and prioritise all the landscape scale nature restoration projects across Scotland. Using this spatial evidence, NatureScot will identify and help facilitate partnership projects for six exemplar large scale landscape restoration areas with significant woodland components by 2025. By the end of 2026 those projects will have engaged with communities; developed deliverable action…
Develop the new Register of Ancient Woodlands, to include locational data, a definition of the required ‘protected and restored’ condition of ancient woodlands, and a process for recording ancient woodlands that reach the required standard.
Ensure support mechanisms are in place for landowners to restore priority ancient woodlands by 2030, focusing initially on protected/designated woodlands in unfavourable condition.
Implement Scotland’s strategic approach for Scotland’s rainforest which aims to improve its condition and health so that it can regenerate and expand whilst providing benefits to communities.
Develop upland-specific, best practice guidance on measures for upland restoration to regenerate peatlands, increase nature woodland cover, manage grazing, protect certain target species and priority habitats and increase habitat heterogeneity.
Develop a national peatland monitoring framework that incorporates on-site and remotely sensed assessments of biodiversity indicators, climate resilience and associated functions within the wider landscape, hydrological and ecological network contexts.
Transition 4 of the pilot RLUPs (Cairngorms National Park, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, and South of Scotland (Dumfries and Galloway and Scottish Borders Councils, NorthWest 2045 Region (Highlands Council)) to formal initiatives as we seek to continue to develop our understanding of how partnership work can help to optimise land use in a fair and inclusive way meeting local and…
Following consultation in 2023, continue ongoing work towards implementing a ban on the sale of horticultural peat in Scotland.
Publish a plan for marine and coastal ecosystem restoration, including identifying actions to help prioritise habitats and locations suitable for restoration.
Deliver additional protection for spawning and juvenile congregation areas where needed, and for species with are integral components of the marine food web.
By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. more information
The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.
