Following consultation in 2023, continue ongoing work towards implementing a ban on the sale of horticultural peat in Scotland.
Objective 1: Accelerate ecosystem restoration and regeneration
Priority Action 2. Introduce a Programme of Ecosystem Restoration
Following the 2023 consultation, Scotland has continued work towards ending the sale of horticultural peat. The current approach is a phased transition rather than a fully implemented ban, with policy intent still focused on reducing and ultimately removing peat use from horticulture in line with peatland restoration and climate targets. However, the legislation and enforcement framework needed to fully end peat sales has not yet been put in place. As a result, peat is still present in parts of the horticultural supply chain during this transition period. This means extraction pressure on peatlands continues, alongside ongoing emissions from peat use.
Not yet. Although there is clear policy direction, the absence of a fully implemented ban means peat use is still continuing. This limits progress towards peatland restoration and weakens the contribution this action can make to climate and biodiversity goals.
A fully implemented, legally binding peat-free system is required, with a clear end date and comprehensive coverage of all horticultural peat products. This should include strong enforcement, clear supply chain controls, and support for alternatives to ensure a smooth transition for the sector. Aligning the phase-out with peatland restoration targets is also important so reduced demand directly supports habitat recovery.
NatureScot evidence on peatland condition and restoration highlights that continued peat use directly undermines peatland recovery, carbon storage and hydrological function, meaning this measure has high ecological relevance. Policy direction is clearly aligned with reducing peat use, but the absence of a fully implemented and enforced ban means peat extraction and horticultural use continue during the transition period, limiting current ecological benefit.
Evidence from the peat-free horticulture transition also indicates that sector-wide change depends on clear regulatory end dates and supply chain conversion, without which partial substitution risks delaying full peatland recovery.
A fully implemented ban would deliver significant ecological gains by reducing ongoing peat extraction pressure, supporting peatland restoration at scale, improving carbon sequestration, and strengthening habitat condition in degraded peatland systems.
Peat-Free Partnership – legislative position (full phase-out requirement and short transition period)
Scottish Government – Peatland policy and restoration commitment
NatureScot – Peatland ACTION five year partnership plan 2025 – 2030
The RHS Transition to Peat-Free Fellowship
Scottish Government – Ending the sale of peat in horticulture consultation (2023)
Scottish Government – Analysis of consultation responses (2023–2024)
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…
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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