We welcome the Scottish Government’s publication of an interim evaluation report for the Nature Restoration Fund (NRF) and urge ministers and all political parties to commit to continuing the NRF in the next parliamentary session, with significantly increased funding.

This review provides a valuable opportunity to reflect on one of Scotland’s key tools for reversing decades of biodiversity loss. As one of the most nature-depleted countries on Earth, it’s vital that nature recovery is adequately resourced in Scotland.

As of Spring 2024, the report shows that over £35 million has been invested in Scotland’s nature through NRF spread across nearly 800 projects. Wetlands, seagrass, meadows, rivers and other important habitats have all benefited from the funding, while nature’s return delivers tangible benefits at local and national levels. 

The report also highlights some of the groundbreaking projects that have benefited from this funding, including Seawilding, Rewilding Lettoch and Rewilding Kilminning. 

For many rewilding initiatives - often locked out of other funding routes - this money has been critical. 

However, the review also demonstrates that much more needs to be done. The funding delivered so far is simply not enough for a country with such a long path towards being nature positive. NRF has also been put at risk through financial pressure, with funds diverted to cover budget holes elsewhere. 

Without expanded, sustained and secure public investment, there is a real risk that Scotland will fail to meet its nature recovery goals. This will put ecological resilience, climate ambition and public benefit into jeopardy. 

We urge the Scottish Government and all political parties to commit to continuing NRF in the next parliamentary session, with significantly increased funding. 

To turn ambition into reality, we are also calling for:

• A larger annual NRF allocation from 2026 onward, ideally doubling the current funding level.
• Guarantees that any diverted funds (e.g. to cover other public spending pressures) are fully replenished in subsequent years.
• Clear links between all public funds, nature recovery commitments and forthcoming statutory restoration targets to ensure funds deliver progress at scale and at speed.

We commend the Scottish Government for acting now to review the Fund’s performance - and urge ministers to listen closely to the independent evaluation. It’s time to show leadership on large-scale nature recovery: bring the Nature Restoration Fund back next session with greater ambition and investment. 

Photo shows non-native removal at Tombane, a Northoods Rewilding Network partner. Copyright Tierney Lloyd/SCOTLAND: The Big Picture.