Here you will find our response to the NatureScot engagement paper on Landscape scale nature restoration in Scotland – Identifying exemplar projects and agency priorities (19th November 2025).

This response was developed by the Scotland Policy Group.

Key points:

• Project-selection concerns : While the listed projects have merit, the criteria and process for selecting only six exemplars are unclear. For example, how will comparably diverse projects be evaluated in an evidence-based and inclusive process.
• Need for ecologically driven selection and greater ambition : The Areas of Focus appear guided by existing agency involvement rather than ecological necessity, potentially narrowing ambition and failing to create truly new, strategic landscape-scale projects or connectivity across landscapes.
• Importance of partnership working and risks of agency-driven prioritisation : Successful restoration projects in Scotland have depended on broad partnerships (agencies, NGOs, landowners, communities). The concern is that the current agency-led prioritisation may undermine buy-in from partners and restrict access to funding for community and NGO projects.
• Financing and process improvements needed to scale up restoration : There is a need for simplified grant processes, long-term funding security, and support for monitoring requirements. The proposed community of practice is welcomed as a useful mechanism for shared learning.
• Integration of invasive non-native species (INNS) management is essential : INNS control is integral to landscape-scale restoration but it is proposed that this will be handled separately through other processes. There needs to be clearer integration of INNS management within exemplar projects to avoid fragmentation and ensure effective ecosystem restoration.