{"id":1438,"date":"2025-08-06T12:00:33","date_gmt":"2025-08-06T12:00:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rewild.scot\/?p=1438"},"modified":"2026-05-04T11:32:38","modified_gmt":"2026-05-04T11:32:38","slug":"bring-back-the-nature-restoration-fund-in-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rewild.scot\/gd\/news-and-blog\/rewilding-news\/bring-back-the-nature-restoration-fund-in-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Bring back the Nature Restoration Fund in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

We welcome the Scottish Government\u2019s interim evaluation of the Nature Restoration Fund, which highlights important progress but shows that current funding is insufficient to meet Scotland\u2019s nature recovery goals. We urge all political parties to commit to restoring and significantly increasing the Fund in the next parliamentary session to secure lasting benefits for nature, climate, and communities.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We welcome the Scottish Government\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This review provides a valuable opportunity to reflect on one of Scotland\u2019s key tools for reversing decades of biodiversity loss. As one of the most nature-depleted countries on Earth, it\u2019s vital that nature recovery is adequately resourced in Scotland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As of Spring 2024, the report shows that over \u00a335 million has been invested in Scotland\u2019s nature through NRF spread across nearly 800 projects. Wetlands, seagrass, meadows, rivers and other important habitats have all benefited from the funding, while nature\u2019s return delivers tangible benefits at local and national levels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The report also highlights some of the groundbreaking projects that have benefited from this funding, including Seawilding, Rewilding Lettoch and Rewilding Kilminning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For many rewilding initiatives – often locked out of other funding routes – this money has been critical. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We urge the Scottish Government and all political parties to commit to continuing NRF in the next parliamentary session, with significantly increased funding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To turn ambition into reality, we are also calling for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n