I am struck with how the dawn chorus often starts with a small, single voice. A lone bird puffing out its chest and proudly trumpeting its tune to the world.
Then other species join, and more still, and the air is filled with a tapestry of sound.
It reminds me that, when we come together, we can make a big noise.
What happened?
In August we had the news the Scottish Government would be proposing £5 million cuts to the Nature Restoration Fund (NRF).
This was crushing news. The fund goes towards incredible projects like restoring wetland in Orkney, saving Scotland’s rainforest, and improving habitats for threatened species.
We called on you to contact Scottish Ministers and your MSPs to tell them how much nature matters to you.
Thank you to everyone who did so. Clearly, you had an impact.
Following your letters, I have received a response from Acting Minister for Climate Action, Alasdair Allan MSP.
He asked for his message to be shared with our supporters. You can read it in full by clicking the link at the bottom of this page.
What did the Minister say?
Mr Allan said: “The Scottish Government remains firmly committed to tackling the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss, and recognises the importance that the natural environment plays in all of our lives.”
He continued: “We recognise the role that nature plays in helping to reach our net zero and nature positive ambitions - protecting and restoring our natural environment is key to addressing the twin crises of nature loss and climate change.”
But the minister said the government is facing “significant financial pressure” and said “painful choices” will have to be made as a result.
The Scottish Government has allowed local authorities to use the £5 million funding for the Nature Restoration Fund to pay for council workers’ pay rises. Mr Allan said the funding “will be restored in future years”.
The Minister said the Scottish Government has also committed £65 million over the course of this Parliament to the NRF.
He also highlighted the Natural Environment Bill, which was introduced in the 2024-25 Programme for Government. Among its aims is to set a framework for statutory targets to restore and protect nature.
Finally, Mr Allan said the Scottish Government is also investing in nature-based solutions to climate change and biodiversity loss. This includes £250 million towards peatland restoration over 10 years.
What do we think?
It was good to get a direct response from the minister on this. It shows how much of an impact you, our supporters, can have.
From my perspective, there are reasons to be cautiously optimistic.
After years of work and campaigning, we were delighted by the introduction of the Natural Environment Bill in this Programme for Government.
This potentially game-changing legislation could pave the way for strong targets for nature restoration and introduce much-needed measures like deer management reform.
It was also good to hear the £5 million NRF funding will be restored and that the Scottish Government is “firmly committed” to tackling climate change and biodiversity loss.
These are encouraging words. But nature needs more than just words, it needs action.
A reminder: one in nine Scottish species are at risk of extinction. We are also one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world.
What are we calling for?
If the Scottish Government is going to put its money where its mouth is, it needs to be bold and it needs to act now.
Here’s what needs to be achieved:
I am worried about the upcoming Scottish Budget, and whether there will be further cuts to nature funding.
The RSPB recognises budgets are tight. But we are in a nature and climate emergency.
Nature simply cannot wait. It underpins everything, from the food we eat to our health and wellbeing and even our economy. Our future depends on it.
People in Scotland love nature, but they are worried about damage to the environment. This year you told us why nature matters to you and why we need to act now to save it.
If we speak up for nature as we have been doing, we can make sure it stays high on the agenda.
Thank you for adding your voice to the chorus. Please continue to do so.
Keep an eye on our socials and sign up to our newsletters for the latest updates on what you can do to help.
You can read Alasdair Allan’s response to RSPB Scotland in full here: