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.
Objective 1: Accelerate ecosystem restoration and regeneration
Priority Action 2. Introduce a Programme of Ecosystem Restoration
Work is now underway, with NatureScot leading development of the Register through an Ancient Woodland Register Steering Group. In July 2026, NatureScot published a Prior Information Notice seeking contractors to support delivery of the Register, indicating that the work has progressed towards implementation.
The Register is also receiving parliamentary scrutiny. In January 2026, the Scottish Parliament’s Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee wrote to NatureScot seeking details of the work undertaken and progress towards establishing the Register, following concerns about the protection of ancient woodland raised during its review of NPF4.
The new Register is intended to go beyond the existing Ancient Woodland Inventory by including locational data, a definition of the required ‘protected and restored’ condition of ancient woodlands and a process for recording woodlands that reach the required standard. However, the Register has not yet been implemented, and there is not yet evidence that it is being used to change protection status or restoration delivery in practice. Its ecological contribution will ultimately depend on the quality of the data and condition assessment, how ‘protected and restored’ is defined and whether the Register is effectively integrated into planning, forestry and other regulatory decision-making.
Development of the Register is now moving forward, with NatureScot establishing a steering group and progressing procurement for the technical work required to deliver it. However, the Register itself is not yet operational and its ecological impact therefore remains limited at this stage.
A fully implemented Register could significantly strengthen protection and restoration of ancient woodlands by improving spatial targeting, clarifying condition standards, and providing a stronger basis for planning, monitoring and enforcement. However, this will depend on establishing a robust definition of ‘protected and restored’ condition, ensuring comprehensive and accurate data, and embedding the Register effectively within planning and forestry decision-making.
Scottish Parliament Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee – Letter to NatureScot on Register of Ancient Woodland
Scottish Parliament Written Question S6W-32011
NatureScot Business Plan 2026–2027
NatureScot – Ancient Woodland Inventory (AWI)
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…
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.
Develop new approaches to marine biodiversity monitoring, covering both state and pressure assessment and aligned with the UK Marine Strategy.
Develop a Blue Carbon Action Plan to identify where the Scottish Government can most effectively address evidence gaps and progress actions to support the protection, restoration, and enhancement of blue carbon habitats.
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.
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