Climate change monitoring report 2023

Change Plan Monitoring Report 2023: LULUCF

Part A - Overview of sector

The 2020 annual emissions envelope published in the CCPu this sector was for 0.6 MtCO₂e, whereas the outturn emission statistics for this year (published in June 2021) show a position of 0.8 MtCO₂e^[34]. On the basis of comparing these figures, the sector was outside its envelope in 2020.

The CCPu sets out the following three policy outcomes for the sector, the indicators for which are summarised below:

We will introduce a stepped increase in the annual woodland creation rates from 2020-2021 to enhance the contribution that trees make to reducing emissions through sequestering carbon.	On Track	Off Track	Too Early to Say
Hectares of woodland created per year		X
Woodland ecological condition			X
Woodland Carbon Code: Projected carbon sequestration (validated credits)	X

Increase the use of sustainably sourced wood fibre to reduce emissions by encouraging the construction industry to increase its use of wood products where appropriate.	On Track	Off rack	Too Early to Say
Annual volume (in millions of cubic metres) of Scottish produced sawn wood and panel boards used in construction			X

To enhance the contribution of peatland to carbon storage, we will support an increase in the annual rate of peatland restoration.	On Track	Off Track	Too Early to Say
Hectares of peatland restored per year		X
Peatland Code: Projected emissions reduction (validated units)	X

We will establish pilot Regional Land Use partnerships (RLUPs) over the course of 2021.

While this is an enabling policy outcome which does not have any indicators, it is progressing. Five RLUP pilot regions have been established and the Scottish Government is working collaboratively with them as they work with stakeholders to produce their Regional Land Use Frameworks by end-2023. More information is provided in the body of this report.

Just transition and cross economy impacts

We wish to understand and report on the broader just transition and cross-economy impacts of our emissions-reduction activities in addition to these sector specific policy outcomes and indicators. To do this, in this report we use data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS): Low Carbon Renewable Energy Economy (LCREE) publication. The LCREE data presented in this report is based on survey data of businesses which perform economic activities that deliver goods and services that are likely to help generate lower emissions of greenhouse gases, for example low carbon electricity, low emission vehicles and low carbon services.

The LCREE indicator is narrowly defined and, while useful within its limited scope, does not give us the full picture of the impacts on workforce, employers and communities and progress towards a just transition.

Over the next few years we will work to develop a more meaningful set of success outcomes and indicators aimed at tracking the impacts of our policies on a just transition to net zero.

Sector commentary on progress

Forestry:

New woodland planting has continued at pace in Scotland. In 2021-22, 10,480 hectares of new woodland were planted. This represents over 75% of all new woodland planting in the UK. Severe winter storms caused disruption in the planting season although woodland creation levels were maintained at the level of the previous year. Woodland creation figures for 2022-23 will be released in June 2023.

The additional £150 million allocated to forestry in this parliamentary session is maintaining Scottish government funding for woodland creation at record levels. Scottish Forestry approvals for planting new woodlands exceeded actual planting, showing that capacity in the sector may have been a constraint. Both large and small schemes are important in contributing towards climate change objectives. Planting objectives are being increased from 15,000 hectares (30 million trees) in 2023/23 to 18,000 hectares (36 million trees) each year by 2024/25. We are also increasing private sector investment in woodland creation via the Woodland Carbon Code. Interim statistics show that 6.5M woodland carbon credits had been validated in Scotland at December 2022, with an 18% increase between April and December 2022. A rapid rise in registrations under the Woodland Carbon Code indicates a major increase in activity in the coming years.

Peatland:

In 2022-23, an estimated 7000 hectares of peatland were restored by delivery partners as part of the Scottish Government-funded Peatland ACTION programme. This estimate is subject to change; final data on restoration completed in 2022-23 will be available in early Summer 2023, following quality assurance processes. However, it is clear that we are off track against the relevant target indicator of 20,000 hectares per year.

A number of factors have contributed to restoration rates being off track in 2022-23. This includes limited demand for restoration from landowners and managers, delays in Peatland Code verification and planning processes, limited contractor capacity, and increasing costs across supply chains which led to some requests for price reviews that delayed works. This reflects the fact that the peatland restoration sector is in its infancy, though work is being progressed to build capacity at pace.

Since publication of the last progress report, the Peatland Programme has developed a new Delivery Plan which is taking action on a number of fronts to increase restoration rates. This includes actions to increase uptake of Peatland Code projects in Scotland, and we are continuing to examine a variety of financial mechanisms to support increased private sector investment in peatland restoration.

Work has progressed on establishing a pilot for peatland restoration on crofting land. 13 Scottish Government Estates, covering a total area of 38,804 ha, have been assessed through a combination of desk-based assessments and site visits. Three potential sites have been selected and grazing committees are starting initial discussions with Peatland ACTION officers. Work is also progressing to ensure peatland restoration principles are imbedded into the agriculture reform support system as this is developed.

NatureScot, our key delivery partner in Peatland ACTION, have also progressed work on engaging with landowners through a new Communications Plan and on increasing the capacity of designers and implementers of restoration works through their Skills Plan. A number of training courses and demonstration events were delivered by Peatland ACTION in 2022-23, reaching more than 400 participants, and a “New Entrants Scheme” has been developed to expand capacity and knowledge of restoration techniques.

Throughout 2022-23 we continued work with Environment Systems Ltd. on our CivTech challenge, utilising technology to identify and prioritise peatland sites that will optimise costs and benefits. The solution, a single easy-to-use webapp, provides data on the extent and condition of deep peat (>50) across Scotland, which can enable better targeting of sites for maximum benefits.

Between February and May 2023, we ran a consultation on “Ending the Sale of Peat in Scotland”. Whilst the central focus of the consultation was on horticulture, as the main commercial use of peat, we also considered other uses of peat that drive commercial extraction and sought wider views through the consultation and stakeholder engagement. Consultation responses will inform plans and timescales for moving away from using peat products in order to protect peatlands from further damage.

Developments in monitoring arrangements since last report

N/a

Part B - Progress to Policy Outcome Indicators

Policy Outcome: Cross-sectoral social and economic

Indicator: FTE employment in Low Carbon Renewable Energy Economy Indicator

On-Track Assessment (Milestones/Targets): Year-to-year change

Most Recent Data: 2021

Data Source(s): Office of National Statistics: Low Carbon Renewable Energy Economy (LCREE), Time spent of Green Tasks

Assessment: Too Early to Say

Commentary:

• In 2021, the Scottish low carbon renewable energy (LCREE) sectors were estimated to provide 28,300 jobs, the highest in the published data.
• The estimates of LCREE are based on a relative small sample of businesses and hence are subject to wide confidence intervals. Scottish LCREE employment in 2021 is substantially higher than previous years but the difference is not statistically higher than 2020.

• LCREE only shows employment in roles in Industries directly involved in the transition to Net Zero.
• The ONS also released experimental statistics on a wider perspective of green activity in the economy with their time spent on green tasks release.
• These stats reflect green activities in both LCREE and non-LCREE sectors. The 2023 publication has not yet been published.
• Last year’s publication showed that in 2019 Scotland achieved an all-time high of hours spent on green tasks and proportion of workers doing green tasks, including workers who spend more than 20% of their time on green tasks.
• The proportion of workers doing green tasks in Scotland was 36% in 2019, up from 23.8% in 2004. Workers who have spent more than 20% of their time doing green tasks was 14% in 2019, up from 9% in 2004.
• The proportion of overall hours spent doing green tasks in Scotland was 7%, up from 4.9% in 2004.

Policy Outcome: 1

Indicator: Hectares of woodland created per year

On-track Assessment (Milestones/Targets): 2020/21 = 12,000 ha/yr, 2021/22=13,500 ha/yr, 2022/23 = 15,000 ha/yr, 2023/24 = 16,500 ha/yr,

2024/25 = 18,000 ha/yr

Most recent data: Forestry Statistics 2022

Data source(s): Forestry Statistics

Assessment: Off track

Commentary:

Current levels of woodland creation applications are consistent with a pipeline of projects at historically high levels. Delivery is dependent upon land managers implementing their projects once approved by Scottish Forestry. Official data on woodland creation for 2022-23 will be released in June 2023.

Policy Outcome: 1

Indicator: Woodland ecological condition

On-track Assessment (Milestones/Targets): Year-to-year change

Most recent data: Published February 2020

Data source(s): National Forest Inventory (NFI)

Assessment: Too early to say

Commentary:

Published as official statistics by the National Forest Inventory (NFI), the study into Woodland Ecological Condition is the largest and most in-depth assessment of the ecological condition of any habitat in Great Britain.

It reveals that in Scotland 442,611 hectares are now classified as native woodland and that the majority of this is North East and West Scotland. The statistics reveal that over 430,000 ha of these native woodlands are in overall ‘favourable’ or ‘intermediate’ condition.

They also show that Scotland’s non-native woodlands make a positive ecological contribution, with less than 6% in ‘unfavourable’ ecological condition.

Furthermore, the survey demonstrates that the active management of a forest for wood production delivers higher biodiversity as well as a renewable supply of wood to help sustain an industry that benefits climate change mitigation, jobs and the economy - at minimal cost to the public purse.

The last WEC report was published in 2019 and was based on data collected in the first cycle of field survey 2010 to 2015, so the analysis has a time stamp of 2013 (the average age of the data). The plan is for the next report on WEC in 2024/25.

Policy Outcome: 1

Indicator: Woodland Carbon Code: Projected Progress to target carbon sequestration (validated credits).

On-track Assessment (Milestones/Targets): Progress to target (increase 50% by 2025)^[35]

Most recent data: Forestry Statistics 2022, and Woodland Carbon website for latest unofficial data

Data source(s): UK Land Carbon Registry, Forestry Statistics (Forest Research)

Assessment: On track

Commentary:

• There has been an 18% increase in the number of validated credits in Scotland under the Woodland Carbon Code between April and December 2022.
• Interim Statistics note that 7.1M carbon credits had been validated in Scotland at March 2023.
• Official statistics for 2022-23 will be released in the publication of Forestry Statistics in June 2023.

Policy Outcome: 1

Indicator: Annual volume (in millions of cubic metres) of Scottish produced sawn wood and panel boards used in construction.

On-track Assessment (Milestones/Targets): Progress to Targets [2020/21 = 2.6 million m3, 2026/27 = 2.8 million m3, 2031/32 = 3.0 million m3]

Most recent data: 2.37 million m³ estimated in construction in 2021

Data source(s): Forestry Statistics 2023

Assessment: Too early to say

Commentary:

• Official Statistics on timber are published annually in September. These provide the best dataset to estimate volume of Scottish timber used in construction.
• The figure reported here, of 2.37 million cubic metres of timber used in construction in 2021, is based on these statistics.
• Covid had an effect on the sector and the data for 2020 and 2021 is lower than it would be if on previous trend, however there is a 13% increase in the volume used in construction since 2020. Defra are now working to support the use of timber in construction in England which is the primary market for Scottish timber. This engagement should help to support meeting the target.

Policy Outcome: 3

Indicator: Hectares of peatland restored per year

On-track Assessment (Milestones/Targets): 20,000 ha/y^[36]

Most recent data: Estimated 7,000 hectares restored in 2022-23

Data source(s): NatureScot, Cairngorms National Park Authority, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, Scottish Water, Forestry and Land Scotland

Assessment: Off track

Commentary:

The Scottish Government has committed to restore 250,000 hectares of degraded peatlands by 2030. Against this overall target, around 64,000 hectares have been put on the road to recovery since the 1990 baseline.

In 2022-23, around 7,000 hectares of degraded peatland were restored through collective work by Peatland ACTION (NatureScot, Cairngorms National Park Authority, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority, Scottish Water and Forestry Land Scotland). This estimate is subject to change; final data on restoration completed in 2022-23 will be available in early Summer 2023, following quality assurance processes.

Estimated delivery for this year indicates an increase on the previous year (5,370 hectares restored) but remains short of our annual target of 20,000 hectares. There are a number of reasons for this shortfall, including the fact that peatland restoration is a sector in its infancy and has not yet developed significant supply capacity. Contractor capacity is limited, as is the field of technical advisers and agents to support land owners and managers through restoration projects.

Through the Scottish Government’s Peatland Programme, we are working with partners and experts to significantly increase rates of restoration and to address the many barriers to delivery. Our new Delivery Plan sets out the actions we are taking to boost supply and demand, to create new levers and incentives through agriculture and land reform, and to increase private investment in peatland restoration.

Policy Outcome: 3

Indicator: Peatland Code: Projected emissions reduction (validated units)

On-track Assessment (Milestones/Targets): Year-to-year change

Most recent data:

454,954 validated units from 10 Peatland Code projects in Scotland in 2022-23. These projects, their validation date and associated units are as follows:

Project Name	Date Validated	Net emission reductions (tCO2e)
Achnacarry Estate (Phase 1)	3/10/2022	41432
Ceannacroc (Phase 1)	3/17/2022	16490
Strathconon Phase 1-3	2/3/2022	114,066
Fannich (Phase 1-3)	3/10/2022	86631
Totto Hill	12/10/2022	34651
Wemyss and March Phase 2	1/9/2023	37874
Glenfeshie peatland restoration - Phase 4	11/8/2022	9095
Glenfeshie peatland restoration - Phase 5	11/8/2022	10494
Kinlochdamph Phase 1	11/30/2022	40162
Scaliscro Peatland Restoration	2/13/2023	64059
Total		454,954

Data source(s): Peatland Code, IUCN Peatland Programme

Assessment: On track

Commentary:

The CCPu acknowledges that Government cannot fund on its own the scale of peatland restoration and management that will be needed to deliver on our emissions reduction targets. Alongside the funding we make available through grants for peatland restoration and agri-environment schemes, private investment in Scotland’s natural capital will also be essential. It will also be necessary to ensure long-term sustainable management of restored peatland so that the carbon it stores remains locked up in the long term.

As well as our commitment of £250 million of funding over ten years, we are working to attract increased private investment. The Peatland Code is a recognised standard for businesses to purchase and report on carbon units for peatland restoration.

We will increasingly work to integrate public and private funding for peatland restoration and management through better coordination between the Peatland Code and government grants to landowners and land managers via our delivery partners.

The data reported above represents the total validated units from projects in Scotland in the year 2022-23. The total validated units in the year 2022-23 (454,954) represents an increase of 221% from the previous year’s total (141,595).

Part C - Information on implementation of individual policies

Outcome 1: We will introduce a stepped increase in the annual woodland creation rates from 2020-2021 to enhance the contribution that trees make to reducing emissions through sequestering carbon.

Policy

Forestry grants: we will provide funding via a grant scheme, to support eligible land owners establish appropriate woodlands.

Date announced

2020-2021 PfG

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu

This policy has been boosted through an additional £100M of funding (announced in the PfG in 2020) to support an increase in woodland creation up to 2025. There is a currently a strong pipeline of woodland creation projects.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these.

The indicator for woodland creation is hectares planted per year. Approvals by Scottish Forestry indicate a sustained high level of applications for woodland creation.

Timeframe and expected next steps

The targets for woodland creation consist of stepped increases until 2024-25 when the target will reach 18,000 hectares per year.

Policy

Woodland creation on Scotland’s national forests and land: Forestry and Land Scotland will deliver an annual contribution towards the overall woodland creation target by creating new sustainable woodland on Scotland’s national forests and land, including through partnerships with external organisations to scale carbon capture opportunities.

Date announced

CCP 2018

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu

FLS continues to create woodlands and is developing partnerships with a range of potential partners to undertake woodland creation for carbon capture

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these.

In 22/23 FLS will create around 500 ha of woodland

Timeframe and expected next steps

FLS will continue to create woodlands each year on an ongoing basis

Policy

Awareness-raising: We will continue to deliver a programme of farm based events to demonstrate and support improved productivity through integration of farming and forestry enterprises.

Date announced

CCP 2018

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu

This policy has been maintained, with a series of events to demonstrate the benefits of trees on farms

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these.

No Hard indicators. But a series of events is underway associated with the establishment of a monitor farm network that includes farm forestry.

Timeframe and expected next steps

Ongoing – annual series of events and developments to increase uptake of farm forestry eg through the Integrating Trees Network

Policy

Woodland standards: The Scottish Government will lead on the work with the UK and other UK Governments to maintain and develop a UK Forestry Standard that articulates the consistent UK wide approach to sustainable forestry. The Standard defines how woodland should be created and managed to meet sustainable forest management principles and provides a basis for monitoring.

Date announced

CCP 2018

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu

The four administrations of the UK are revising the current UK Forestry Standard (UKFS). The review takes place every five years. The revised version will be published in 2023.

The review will ensure the Standard is up to date and continues to safeguard and promote sustainable forestry practice in the UK, whilst reflecting the international context in which forestry operates. The UKFS is the technical standard which underpins the delivery of the forestry policies of the four UK countries.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these.

No

Timeframe and expected next steps

Next edition of the UK Forestry Standard is due to be published in 2023

Policy

Woodland carbon capture: The Scottish Government will further develop and promote the Woodland Carbon Code in partnership with the forestry sector, and will work with investors, carbon buyers, landowners and market intermediaries to attract additional investment into woodland creation projects and increase the woodland carbon market by 50% by 2025.

Date announced

CCPu 2020

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu

Scottish Forestry is providing technical support to private sector investors, land managers and advisors, and intermediaries in the woodland carbon market. We are taking further measures to develop the Code to facilitate further expansion of the market.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these.

Quantity of validated carbon units under the Woodland Carbon Code

Timeframe and expected next steps

50% increase in validated carbon units by 2025

Policy

Forestry and woodland strategies: Forestry and woodland strategies continue to be prepared by planning authorities, with support from Scottish Forestry. They provide a framework for forestry expansion through identifying preferred areas where forestry can have a positive impact on the environment, landscape, economy and local people.

Date announced

CCP 2018

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu

A number of current strategies are being reviewed and updated. The Forestry Strategy Implementation Plan 2022-25 has an action to review the SG FWS guidance by 31 March 2025.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these.

N/A

Timeframe and expected next steps

Planning to initiate review of SG FWS guidance .

Policy

Support forestry sector on plant and seed supply strategy to help meet the increased planting targets: A programme of technical innovation to develop and adapt modern horticultural practices will help improve seed preparation and handling, techniques to reduce environmental impacts, and increase nursery production. Funding to support increased production of young trees is available through the Harvesting and Processing grant.

Date announced

Scottish Forestry Implementation Plan

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu

There has been good take up of the grant scheme. We are still working with Confor and other stakeholders to obtain better data on plant production.

Defra has introduced its own grant support scheme for the forest nursery sector that will also support the forest nursery sector

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these.

No

Timeframe and expected next steps

N/A

Policy

Forestry and Land Scotland will begin development of a new approach to woodland investment with a view to acquiring more land to establish further woodland on Scotland’s national forests and land for the benefit of future generations and to optimise carbon sequestration. This includes partnering with private sector and other organisations to enhance scale and funding of carbon capture projects.

Date announced

CCPu 2020

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu

Acquisition Strategy has been prepared setting out FLS approach to investing in new woodland and is being applied. Disposal criteria are being reviewed to reflect FLS’ strategic asset management approach and sustainability objective.

SG funds from LCIF have been allocated against new land purchases along with left-over NWIP funds which FLS now holds in a Strategic Acquisition Fund for strategic land and asset purchases.

A number of carbon off-setting agreements and partnerships are being explored and are at various stages of discussion. Variations in market pricing along with a strong demand for land make this a challenging area of business.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these.

Key indicator for land acquisition is to fully invest the SG funds available. For FY 22/23 this is projected to be £15.5M.

The largest acquisition in FY 22/23 was the purchase of the 3434 hectare Glenprosen Estate in the Angus Glens.

The immediate adjacency of Glenprosen to Scotland’s national forests and land, and that of other public bodies will result in Scottish Ministers owning a 10,400 hectare block of land, much within the Cairngorm National Park. Providing landscape scale land management / restoration opportunities.

The estate has the potential for the creation of approximately 2000 hectares of woodland, making a significant contribution to the SG’s woodland creation target and/or the target for native woodland creation as set out in the Bute House Agreement. In addition, it has the potential for peatland restoration and/or significant habitat restoration opportunities.

Timeframe and expected next steps

New Governance and business Rules have been set up and are now being implemented. Monitoring is undertaken by the Strategic Acquisition Board

Outcome 2: Increase the use of sustainably sourced wood fibre to reduce emissions by encouraging the construction industry to increase its use of wood products where appropriate.

Policy

In collaboration with the private forest sector and other public sector bodies the Scottish Government will implement the Timber Development Programme through an annual programme of projects that support the promotion and development of wood products for use in construction.

Date announced

CCP 2018

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu

SF have funded a number of projects this year arising from the Roots for Further Growth economic strategy produced by SFTT ILG, including:

• Research project by Edinburgh Napier University into domestic potential for Wood Fibre Insulation (£23.5k)
• Economic study on the local impact of forestry and timber micro-businesses (£18k)
• Ongoing co-funding for 3 PhDs – 2 in biorefining and 1 around tree genetics (3 * £7k = £21k)

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these.

N/A

Timeframe and expected next steps

On-going

Outcome 3: To enhance the contribution of peatland to carbon storage, we will support an increase in the annual rate of peatland restoration

Policy

Restoration grants: We will provide grant funding to support eligible land managers to deliver peatland restoration. Levels of funding will enable at least 20,000 hectares of peatland restoration per year. We will undertake research to inform where restoration can deliver the greatest emission savings per hectare.

Date announced

Budget 2020/21, Reinforced in 2020-2021 PfG

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu

Funding available for peatland restoration in 2022-23 rose to a record high of £23.72 million.

Work continued with Environment Systems Ltd. on our CivTech challenge to explore how technology can help us to identify and prioritise peatland sites that will optimise costs and benefits. The solution, a single easy-to-use webapp, provides data on the extent and condition of deep peat (>50) across Scotland, and can enable better targeting of sites for maximum benefits.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these.

In 2022-23 progress against the annual target is off track and is forecast to remain so in 2022-23.

Timeframe and expected next steps

A new Delivery Plan is being managed through the Peatland Programme to drive action on a number of fronts to address systemic barriers to upscaling of peatland restoration.

Policy

Awareness raising: Working through partnership, we will put in place tools and information to promote peatland restoration and develop the capacity, skills and knowledge of land owners, land managers, contractors and others to deliver peatland restoration.

Date announced

CCPu 2020

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu

NatureScot, a key delivery partner in peatland restoration, is leading on work to promote peatland restoration. By communicating the benefits from restoration and the processes to support it – technical and financial - it is stimulating demand. Their Communications Plan has identified key messages for different audiences and targeted media approaches have been implemented. For example, Peatland ACTION were represented at over 25 different events in 2022/23. These include large-scale events such as the Royal Highland Show, small-scale local events and specialist events like the NFUS conference. NatureScot have engaged with a wide range of stakeholders including contractors and consultants, policy and decision makers, landowners, and staff from partner organisations. These events have taken place across the length and breadth of the country.

NatureScot also developed a Peatland ACTION Skills Plan to increase the capacity of both designers and implementers. They have designed and run various trainings including a “New Entrants Scheme” and demonstration events to showcase work delivered on the ground. Peatland ACTION has provided training to 405 people so far in 2022-23, ranging from 2 hour online courses, to 2 day courses covering the theory, principles and practicalities of peatland restoration.

A New Entrant scheme is up and running, providing 5 new machine operators with detailed training on restoration techniques over a 6-week period. 7 people are being trained in hand labour skills for bare peat restoration via a 12-day course.

NatureScot supported SRUC to develop and run a short course (2 x 1 week blocks) for peatland restoration design. It ran twice in 2022-23 and was attended by 25 people working in Scotland.

NatureScot have also employed 5 new Peatland Action Project Officers (both with in NatureScot and with external partner organisations) to support land managers with the design and delivery of peatland restoration.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these.

Plans are in place to:

• work with stakeholder groups to engage with c300 largest landowners in Scotland to promote Peatland Restoration
• engage with the crofting community and upskill them for Peatland restoration.

Timeframe and expected next steps

NatureScot are working with Scottish Crofting Federation to employ a Project Officer who can help to stimulate demand for peatland restoration amongst the crofting community.

They are also planning to employ an additional 6 Project Officers to assist the landowners with design and implementation of restoration projects (2 internal and 2 external) NatureScot will continue to implementing communication plan to stimulate demand through media opportunities and engagement at stakeholder events.

Implementation of the skills plan will see a focus on ‘training the trainer’ – facilitating a greater number of people to gain skills in peatland restoration. NatureScot are working with the Scottish Plant Owners Association and existing contractors to develop a competency framework for machine operators.

NatureScot are developing an ‘aftercare’ programme for the candidates finishing the SRUC course. This programme will form the basis of a CPD programme for designers across the sector.

Policy

With partners, refresh our vision for Scotland’s peatlands and review peatland restoration support mechanisms to overcome embedded barriers and improve how we fund and deliver this activity.

Date announced

CCPu 2020

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu

In October 2021, we established a Scottish Government-led Peatland Programme that is working to provide strategic direction and address systemic barriers to upscaling of peatland restoration.

We are reviewing and strengthening governance arrangements for the Programme, with a focus on peatland restoration. This review will consider next steps towards an updated vision for Scotland’s peatlands.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these.

New Governance arrangements will be in place by Summer 2023.

Policy

Phase out the use of peat

in horticulture by increasing uptake of alternative materials, undertaking stakeholder engagement to understand transitional challenges, to improve the uptake of alternatives and develop a timescale plan.

Date announced

2019-2020 PfG

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu

Between February and May 2023, we ran a consultation on “Ending the Sale of Peat in Scotland”. This was supported by impact assessments including a Strategic Environmental Assessment, released concurrently with the consultation.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these.

Our consultation will inform policy and timescales for banning the sale of peat for various purposes.

Timeframe and expected next steps

Analysis of responses will start in May 2023 after the consultation closes. Depending on outcomes of the consultation, we expect to begin the legislative process after analysis and we are determining the most appropriate legislative vehicle in preparation for this.

Policy

Our Position Statement on NPF4 confirmed our current thinking that through the planning system we will not support applications for planning permission for new commercial peat extraction for horticultural purposes, we are looking at strengthening controls on development on peatland and we will help facilitate restoration through permitted development rights.

Date announced

CCPu 2020

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu

The NPF4, which was adopted February 2023, sets out that development proposals for new commercial peat extraction, including extensions to existing sites, should not be supported unless: the extracted peat is supporting the Scottish whisky industry; there is no reasonable substitute; the area of extraction is the minimum required; the proposal aims to retain an in-situ residual depth of peat of no less than one metre across the whole site; the time period for extraction is the minimum necessary; and the proposal is supported by a comprehensive site restoration plan which will aim to return the area to a functioning peatland. The NPF4 also outlines support for the protection of soils, including peat and carbon rich soils which have a critical role to play in helping the country reach its net zero target by sequestering and storing carbon. Our soils policy also set out that; Local development plans should protect locally, regionally, nationally and internationally valued soils. The policy goes on to state development on peatland, carbon rich soils and priority peatland habitat should not be supported unless it is essential and in a limited range of circumstances, with such proposals being subject to further assessment.

Scottish Government officials have been involved in discussions, led by Peatland Action officials in NatureScot, on implementation of the permitted development rights for peatland restoration, which were introduced in April 2021.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these.

N/A

Timeframe and expected next steps

New Local Development Planning guidance

Policy

Develop opportunities for private sector investment in peat restoration, engaging with sectors to establish investment pathways, enabling both public and private sector to invest in a range of measures to help mitigate effects of climate change

Date announced

CCPu 2020

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu

454,954 validated units from 10 Peatland Code projects in Scotland in 2022-23.

The total validated units for this year represents an increase of 221% on the previous year.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these.

The indicator Peatland Code: projected emissions reduction (validated units) shows that there have been 454,954 tCO₂e net emissions reductions from Peatland Code projects in 2022-23.

Timeframe and expected next steps

We will continue to examine a variety of financial mechanisms to support increased responsible private investment in peatland restoration. We will develop any proposals alongside investors, landowners, community groups and other interested stakeholders, in line with the Interim Principles for Responsible Investment in Natural Capital.

Policy

Explore how best to restore all degraded peat in the public estate and also within formally designated nature conservation sites, including through statutory mandate.

Date announced

CCPu 2020

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu

Peatland restoration delivery partners are working to restore peat in the public estate.

Scottish Water has a commitment to restore peatland, where appropriate on all Scottish Water land, as laid out in their Net Zero Route Map. Forestry Land Scotland is developing an ambitious programme to restore all the peatland on Scotland’s Forest and Land by 2045 in support of the Scottish Government’s net zero emissions target. NatureScot are restoring peatlands on their own estate – to promote best practice.

Officials have been working to understand the extent of and its condition across the public estate, using data from the CivTech sponsored peatland tool. Once completed, this work will be able to help public landowners, and delivery partners, to identify opportunities on their land.

Work has progressed on establishing a pilot for peatland restoration on crofting land. 13 Scottish Government Estates, covering a total area of 38,804 ha, have been assessed through a combination of desk-based assessments and site visits. Three potential sites have been selected and grazing committees are starting initial discussions with Peatland ACTION officers.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these.

Work is progressing to restore degraded peat in the public estate.

We are assisting RPID to develop a pilot project on their crofted estates – this will hopefully provide valuable tools and templates for developing peatland restoration projects on common grazings.

We are progressing a Peatland Code application to learn at first hand the process to attain carbon credits and the challenges of attracting private investment.

Timeframe and expected next steps

We will explore options to increase peatland restoration in the public estate, including through statutory mandate.

Policy

Explore the development of a Peatland Restoration Standard to ensure best practice and continuous development in the success and effectiveness of peatland restoration.

Date announced

[CCPu 2020]

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu

NatureScot, has worked with a range of delivery bodies, agents and stakeholders to develop technical and practical advice across all phases of peatland restoration. This advice is included in a new Technical Compendium that provides the basis for the standards of peatland restoration expected in Scotland.

NatureScot also published new guidance on operating during the bird breeding season and thereby extend the operational period of peatland restoration.

NatureScot have also rolled out a Monitoring Strategy and a Monitoring Network on Peatland Action sites. This included funding partnership monitoring projects such as Carbon Flux Towers and gathering the evidence needed to understand the co-benefits for biodiversity.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these.

NatureScot are running Grassland demonstration projects to understand the scope for peatland restoration on these types of site.

Following the publication of Technical compendium, NatureScot have had discussions with the IUCN UK Peatland Code team to consider the development of a common Peatland Standard.

Timeframe and expected next steps

We are considering the next steps to build on the Technical Compendium which will be based upon the feedback we get from its users over the course of 2023-24.

Outcome 4: We will establish pilot Regional Land Use partnerships (RLUPs) over the course of 2021.

Policy

Establishment of pilot Regional Land Use Partnerships to help ensure that we maximise the potential of Scotland’s land to help achieve net zero.

Date announced

CCPU 2020

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu

RLUP pilots have been established in five areas across Scotland. They are presently working with communities and stakeholders to develop their Regional Land Use Frameworks (RLUFs), which they are aiming to produce by the end of 2023. The Cairngorms National Park pilot has produced its strategic RLUF, which has been incorporated within the 2022-27 Cairngorms National Park Partnership Plan.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these.

N/A

Timeframe and expected next steps

The RLUP pilots will work with communities and stakeholders during 2023 to produce their RLUFs.

Policy

Publication of Scotland’s third Land Use Strategy (LUS3) by statutory deadline of 31 March 2021.

Date announced

CCPu 2020

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu

LUS3 was published as planned.

Have any implementation indicators / milestones been set for this policy? If so, most recent data for progress against these.

N/A

Timeframe and expected next steps

LUS3 has now been published.