Following the UK Budget, it’s all eyes on the Scottish Government to increase investment in nature. You can read our full letter to Shona Robison MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Finance, attached below.
Why this budget is crucial for nature in Scotland
There was significant news for farming in the recent UK budget.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced agriculture funding for Scotland is no longer ring-fenced from the Treasury. Instead, it will be incorporated into the block grant Scotland receives from the UK Government, which has been increased this year by £3.4 billion.
Crucially, this means how much is spent on farm support in Scotland is completely in the hands of the Scottish Government.
Agriculture spending will now be competing with other areas for funding – so it’s up to the Scottish Government to put its money where its mouth is and fund the nature commitments it’s made on the world stage.
There is more at stake than ever in the upcoming Scottish budget, expected in early December.
The ball is in the Scottish Government’s court. We are calling for them to urgently increase investment in nature funding and particularly nature-friendly farming.
What does this mean for nature?
With 75% of Scotland farmed, agriculture has a critical role to play in responding to the nature and climate crises.
Farming depends on nature – from healthy soils to clean water and pollinators. But nature loss and climate change are already impacting farming and food production. And, without nature-friendly farming, many species that rely on farmland will disappear.
We know it’s possible to farm in ways that minimise climate impacts and are better for birds and other wildlife. RSPB Scotland has been involved in some trailblazing projects by farmers and crofters from Orkney to Fife, helping protect threatened species like Lapwing, Curlew and Corncrake. But much more support is needed for this important work to continue and expand across Scotland.
An independent report published in July found an estimated £5.9 billion needs to be spent each year to support nature and climate friendly farming in the UK, with £1.8 billion of that needed in Scotland. This is crucial for Scotland to meet its global (and legally-binding) responsibilities to reverse nature’s decline and achieve Net Zero by 2030. It would also mean a sustainable future for our food supplies and Scottish wildlife.
Over the years, there has been an erosion of spending on nature and climate friendly farming in Scotland. This urgently needs to be corrected. Funding for the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme must be reinstated to previous levels to address the situation we are in, and faster progress in reforming farm payments is essential.
In this pivotal moment, we’re urging the Scottish Government to increase investment in nature and climate friendly farming as a priority.
Farm in Orkney which is part of the North Isles Landscape Partnership where RSPB Scotland has worked with farmers to help nature.
Investment in nature is investment in Scotland
We understand these are tough times, and difficult decisions have to be made. But nature is fundamental. It underpins everything, from the air we breathe to the food we eat.
And nature is in crisis. One in nine species in Scotland are at risk of national extinction.
Scotland is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world, ranking in the bottom 25% of nations in terms of its biodiversity intactness.
We know when we invest in nature, it has tangible positive impacts for people, communities and for jobs.
It also makes good economic sense.
A recent report into Scotland’s ‘natural capital’ found nature supports £40.1 billion of economic output, and around 261,600 jobs, directly and indirectly. Many of our industries rely on nature, the report found – particularly fishing and agriculture, forestry, and food and drink. Meanwhile, damage to the natural environment is already slowing the economy, and experts have warned the nature crisis could lead to a larger blow to the UK economy than the global financial crisis or Covid-19.
It’s clear: we urgently need to invest more in nature.
As well as vital funding for nature-friendly farming, we’re calling for the Scottish Government to boost nature investment across the board.
What can you do?
Together with our coalition partners at Scottish Environment LINK, we’re calling for more vital investment in nature in the Scottish Budget.
Add your voice to the petition to let Finance Secretary Shona Robison and the Scottish Government know: all eyes are on them now.
You can sign the petition here: scotlink.eaction.online/naturefunding