Implement remaining legislative provisions from the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024 relating to the use of snares, use, possession and sale of glue traps, Scottish SPCA Inspector powers and wildlife traps.
Objective 1: Accelerate ecosystem restoration and regeneration
Priority Action 7. Ensure Grouse Moor management sustains healthy biodiversity
Implementation of remaining provisions from the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024 is ongoing and has been phased. The ban on snares is now in force following commencement of the relevant provisions in late 2024. Provisions extending powers for Scottish SPCA inspectors have also commenced, although effective use depends on operational readiness, including training and organisational capacity. However, other elements of the Act remain not yet fully implemented, including the licensing regime for wildlife traps, which has not yet come into force. The muirburn licensing system has also been delayed and is now expected to commence in autumn 2026, alongside related amendments under the Natural Environment (Scotland) Act, including provisions affecting burning on peatlands. Overall, implementation is therefore partial, with some measures operational and others still pending commencement.
NatureScot now has strengthened statutory tools that directly reduce high-risk practices associated with wildlife harm, particularly through restrictions on snares and expanded enforcement roles. The ban on snares removes a widely recognised source of incidental wildlife mortality, including non-target species such as mammals and birds of conservation concern. Expanded inspector powers also improve the potential for investigation and enforcement, but their ecological effectiveness depends on how frequently and consistently they are applied in practice. Other elements of the legislative package are not yet operational, meaning the full protective effect of the framework has not been realised. As a result, ecological outcomes are currently driven by partial implementation rather than a fully functioning regulatory system.
Once fully implemented, the legislation could significantly reduce direct mortality pressures on terrestrial wildlife by eliminating harmful trapping methods and strengthening compliance oversight. The scale of ecological benefit will depend on enforcement capacity, uptake of alternatives, and completion of remaining provisions.
Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024
NatureScot – Wildlife management (including licensing and implementation updates)
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.
