The Scottish Government’s draft Natural Environment Bill, as laid on Wednesday 19th February 2025, had 4 main parts, though this has since changed (see below):
- Part 1 says that the Scottish Government must set legally binding targets for nature restoration.
- Part 2 allowed the Scottish Government to make and change laws relating to the Environmental Impact Assessments regime and the Habitats Regulations.
- Part 3 updates the aims of National Parks and makes changes to the way National Parks are run.
- Part 4 relates to the management of wild deer.
Working alongside Scottish Environment LINK we have largely focused on Part 2 which could have given ministers broad powers to change or remove key protections under the Environmental Impact Assessment and Habitats Regulations, with limited oversight and Part 1 of the Bill on setting legally binding biodiversity targets. You can find details of our arguments in the links below.
During Stages 1 and 2, we met with Scottish Government officials and MSPs including Mark Ruskell MSP, Alasdair Allan MSP, Mercedes Villalba MSP and Tim Eagle MSP and had amendments tabled. Over the course of committee deliberations, Marks Ruskell’s amendments to remove Part 2 in its entirety were among those supported by the committee. Consequently, the bill, as amended at the end of Stage 2, no longer contains Part 2.
As of the end of Stage 2, the bill has been amended and no longer contains Part 2.
The bill is currently at Stage 3 and we understand that the deadline for amendments ended on the 20th January and the Stage 3 debate will be held on the 27th January.
CIEEM News Items
- After removal at Stage 2, Part 2 of the draft Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill has not returned at Stage 3 (21st January 2026)
- Committee vote on amendments reveals cross-party support for removal of Part 2 of the Natural Environment Bill (28th November 2025)
- Key amendments tabled for discussion at Stage 2 of Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill (18th November 2025)
- Principles of Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill passed at Stage 1 (31st October 2025)
- Protecting Scotland’s Environment: What you should know about Part 2 of the Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill (24th October 2025)
- Report indicates that MSPs share concerns about Part 2 of Scotland’s draft Natural Environment Bill (1st October 2025)
- CIEEM gives evidence on the draft Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill (22nd May 2025)