Bold action for wild places
The climate emergency demands bold action. In 2021 we proposed a carbon emissions land tax on Scotland’s major landowners to help accelerate the drive towards net-zero greenhouse gases.
Where next?
The proposal was presented at the start of 2021 to the Climate Assembly and subsequently has made its way into the Climate Assembly’s ‘Statement of Ambition and Recommendations.’
Action for the climate emergency
- We shared the Carbon Emissions Land Tax (CELT) proposal with partners and the public at three COP26 fringe events, including a stall at the REVIVE National Conference alongside Chris Packham
- In August, the Trust joined the Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill Alliance, asking the UK Parliament to protect the future of life on earth.
A manifesto for wild places
We published a manifesto ahead of the 2021 Scottish Government elections, with eight ambitious but practical measures that could help transform Scotland’s natural environment for its local people and visitors.
Championing biodiversity
- The Trust welcomed the Scottish Government’s commitment to modernising deer management regulation
- We partnered with Scottish Environment LINK on the Nature Champions initiative – supporting three MSPs to champion the lesser butterfly orchid, the golden eagle and upland birchwoods
A voice for wild places
written objections to developments that threatened wild places in 2021
Speaking up for wild places
Between January and December 2021 we monitored applications for development near Scotland’s Wild Land Areas and reviewed applications for potential harm to wild places. This resulted in written comments to three onshore wind proposals:
- Achany Extension wind farm objection
- Sallachy wind farm near Lairg in Sutherland
- Isle of Yell
Working for local communities
In March, we published Frontline realities: rural communities and visitor pressures; a visitor management report that investigated the impact of tourism on Scottish Highland communities.
Responding to NPF4
The Fourth National Planning Framework (NPF4) is a long-term plan for Scotland that looks ahead to 2050.
We've participated in the different stages of the NPF4 draft development, piror to its approval by Scottish Parliament later in 2022.