Climate Change Plan: monitoring reports 2022

Chapter 6: LULUCF

Part A - Overview of sector

The 2019 annual emissions envelope published in the 2018 Climate Change Plan^[2] for this sector was for -6.1, whereas the outturn emission statistics for this year (published in June 2021) show a position of 2.7. On the basis of comparing these figures, the sector was outside its envelope in 2019. However, it should be noted that the historical GHG inventory for the period 1990-2019 was subject to technical revisions since the time of development of the 2019 Plan, which places significant limitations on comparisons.

The updated Plan 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 Track	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 policy outcome does not have any indicators, this policy outcome is progressing. Five RLUP pilot regions have been announced and the Scottish Government is working collaboratively with them to enable their establishment and production of 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, we use data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS): Low Carbon Renewable Energy Economy (LCREE) publication. The LCREE 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.

This year we have also included ONS experimental statistics that look at green activity in the economy. These stats reflect green activities in both LCREE and non-LCREE sectors.

Over the next few years we will work to develop a 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 2020-21, 10,660 hectares of new woodland were planted. This is around 89% of the 12,000 hectares target, and represents over 80% of all new woodland planting in the UK. Ongoing COVID restrictions, combined with heavy rain and snow across most of Scotland in early 2021, resulted in unavoidable delays to planting. Scottish Forestry worked closely with woodland managers, and much of the delayed planting was carried out in April and May, before the end of the planting season. Planting figures for 2012-22 are not yet available but is expected to be close to the 13,500 hectare target.

Record levels of Scottish Government funding are being channelled into supporting woodland creation schemes. Both large and small schemes are important in contributing towards climate change objectives. An additional £150 million is being pumped into creating new woodlands. Planting objectives are being increased from 13,500 hectares (27 million trees) in 2021/22 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 5.1M woodland carbon credits had been validated in Scotland at December 2021, with a 14% increase between April and December 2021. An updated and expanded carbon registry, the UK Land Carbon Registry, was launched in November 2020 and now also includes peatland restoration credits generated under Peatland Code.

Peatland:

In 2021-22, circa 8000 hectares of peatland were set on the road to restoration through collective work by our delivery partners. This is off-track against the relevant indicator target of 20,000 hectares per year. In 2022-23, it is forecast that around 11,000 hectares of peatland restoration will be set on the road to recovery.

Since publication of the last progress report, we have increased our focus on addressing the barriers to increased annual rates of peatland restoration. This has included establishing a new Scottish Government-led Peatland Restoration Programme which is exploring opportunities to create a more flexible and efficient delivery system; and working with partners to increase private sector investment in peatland restoration via the Peatland Code.

Work has also progressed in developing tools to enable more targeted, efficient restoration activity. A CivTech challenge launched in 2021 to explore how technology can better help us to identify peatland restoration sites that will optimise costs and benefits. We are working with Environment Systems to produce an online tool that will bring together natural capital evaluation with satellite data analytics to provide area-based peatland restoration prioritisation. RESAS are also working on analysis to support decision making and engagement. This includes a survey with the crofting community concerning peatland restoration. Work is underway to establish a pilot for peatland restoration on crofting land.

In our 2021-22 PfG, we pledged to take forward work to develop and consult on a ban on the sale of peat related gardening products as part of our wider commitment to phase out the use of peat in horticulture. We are working with the horticulture industry to understand the challenges for transition. Within the coming months, we will launch a consultation that will inform our direction and speed of travel, setting a date to ban the sale of peat related gardening products that is both realistic and ambitious.

Developments in monitoring arrangements since last report

N/A

Part B- Progress to Policy Outcome Indicators

Policy Outcome:

Cross-sectoral social and economic indicator

Indicator

FTE employment in Low Carbon Renewable Energy Economy

On-Track Assessment (Milestone/Targets)

Year-to-year change

Most Recent Data: 2020

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

Assessment: Too early to Say

• In 2020, the Scottish low carbon renewable energy (LCREE) sectors were estimated to directly provide 20,500 jobs, down from 21,700 in 2019 and from a high of 24,000 in 2016.
• The estimates of LCREE are based on a relatively small sample of businesses and hence are subject to wide confidence intervals. LCREE employment in Scotland in 2020 is similar to previous years and the difference is not statistically higher or lower than any previous year.

LULUCF graph 1

Source: Scottish Government presentation of ONS stats

• 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.
• This release 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%, up from 9% in 2004.
• The proportion of overall hours spend doing green tasks in Scotland was 7%, up from 4.9% in 2004.

LULUCF graph 2

Source: Scottish Government presentation of ONS stats

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 2021

Data source(s): Forestry Statistics

Assessment: On track

Commentary:

Current levels of woodland creation applications indicate that we are on track to meet the 13,500 target. Delivery is dependent upon landowners implementing their projects as agreed. Official data on woodland creation for this period will be released in summer 2021.

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

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 an 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 second report covering the second 5-year survey will be due soon.

LULUCF graph 3

Policy Outcome

1

Indicator

Woodland Carbon Code: Projected carbon sequestration (validated credits)

On-Track Assessment (Milestones/ Targets)

Progress to target (increase 50% by 2025)^[16]

Most recent data: Forestry Statistics 2021, 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 a 14% increase in the number of validated credits in Scotland under the Woodland Carbon Code between April and December 2021.
• Interim Statistics note that 5.1m carbon credits had been validated in Scotland at December 2021.
• Data for 2021-22 will be released in in the publication of Forestry Statistics in summer 2022.

Policy Outcome

2

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: 2.09 million m3 estimated in construction in 2020

Data source(s): Forestry Statistics 2021

Assessment: Off track

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 2.09 million cubic metres of timber used in construction in 2020, is based on these statistics.
• As predicted, Covid had an impact on the estimate of the 2020 volume of Scottish timber used in construction. Despite some recovery in the construction industry and demand in the international market it is unlikely that the annual volume will increase sufficiently to meet the 2020/21 target and as such we have rated this indicator as “Off track”.
• As construction production returns to pre-Covid levels and demand for Scottish sawn wood and panel board grows we hope that the figures will move back on track to hit the longer term targets.

Policy Outcome

3

Indicator

Hectares of peatland restored per year

On-Track Assessment (Milestones/ Targets)

20,000 ha/y^[17]

Most recent data: Around 8,000 hectares on the road to recovery in 2021-22

Data source(s): NatureScot

Assessment: Off track

Commentary:

In 2021-22, circa 8,000 hectares of degraded peatland were set on the road to restoration 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 is an increase on the previous year (5,658 hectares restored) but it remains around 12,000 hectares short of our annual target of 20,000 hectares.

Scottish Government has provided funding for peatland restoration since 2012-13, which has resulted in around 30,000 hectares of restored peatland to date. The 2018 Climate Change Plan established a restoration target of 250,000 ha by 2030, with a cumulative target within that of 50,000 hectares by the end of 2019-20. Over that period circa 15,000 hectares have been set on the road to restoration, circa 35,000 hectares short of the 50,000 hectare target.

In 2022-23, it is forecast that around 11,000 hectares of peatland will be set on the road to recovery.

Peatland restoration is a relatively new industry and there are a number of complex challenges when it comes to upscaling restoration rates. In 2021-22 there were several operational challenges which impacted on peatland restoration rates including unexpected heavy snow in early December, Covid-related staff absences and reduced staff capacity for key delivery partners. There are also significant longstanding challenges including limited availability of experienced and skilled contractors for peatland restoration in Scotland and the UK more broadly.

We are working with partners and experts to consider transformative new delivery models that will enable us to increase the rate of peatland restoration to meet targets. In October 2021 we established a new Peatland Programme Board which will provide governance and oversight to the challenge of upscaling peatland restoration rapidly in the coming years.

Policy Outcome

3

Indicator

Peatland Code: Projected emissions reduction (validated units)

On-Track Assessment (Milestones/ Targets)

Year-to-year change

Most recent data:

141,595 validated units from 3 Peatland Code projects in Scotland in 2021-22. These projects, their validation date and associated units are as follows:

Project name	Date validated	Net emission reductions (tCO2e)
Rottal Estate (Phase 1)	24/02/2021	6462
Glutt 1	21/12/2021	74956
MDMG Kinrara 21	20/12/2021	60177
Total		141,595

Data source(s): Peatland Code, IUCN UK 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 2021-22. The total validated units in the year 2021-22 (141,595) represents an increase of 22.9% from the previous year’s total (115,209).

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 was 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 full 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 indicate that we are on track to deliver 15,500 hectares for 2021-22.

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

Forestry and Land Scotland (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 21/22 FLS will create around 510-590ha 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, although the COVID-19 restrictions have prevented the planned number of events taking place

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

No Hard indicators. But a new series of events is currently 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 e.g. launch of Small Woodland Load Scheme in spring 2022

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 have begun work on the review of the current UK Forestry Standard (UKFS). The review takes place every five years and the aim is to update and publish the next version by the end of 2022. 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 by the end of 2022

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. Work is also ongoing with Scottish Borders Council to pilot further improvements to how such strategies can be developed in future. That work will inform a refresh of the current Scottish Government Guidance, which is planned to be commenced in 21/22

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?

Work with Scottish Borders Council will be completed by the end of 2022 Planned to commence refresh of relevant Scottish Government guidance in 22/23

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 the Low Carbon Investment Fund (LCIF) have been allocated against new land purchases along with left-over New Woodland Investment Programme (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 Scottish Government funds available. For FY 21/22 this is projected to be c 110% of the £6m funds provided, all against new land acquisition which is just over 1,000 ha gross. New land will contribute to FLS annual planting contribution, although there is a c 2 year gap between acquisition and planting due to the planning and consultation process. LCIF funds will be used for planting costs once the land acquired is ready for planting.

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 Scottish Forest & Timber Technologies Industry Leadership Group (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 2021-22 rose to a record high of £22 million. A CivTech challenge launched in 2021 to explore how technology can better help us to identify peatland restoration sites that will optimise costs and benefits. We are working with Environment Systems to produce an online tool that will bring together natural capital evaluation with satellite data analytics to provide area-based peatland restoration prioritisation.

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

In 2021-22, progress against the annual target is off track and is forecast to remain so in 2022-23.

Timeframe and expected next steps?

A Scottish Government-led Peatland Programme has been established and is working to provide strategic direction and address systemic barriers to upscaling of peatland restoration. In February 2022, NatureScot presented recommendations to the Programme Board and Ministers on transformative new approaches to upscale delivery. An action plan will be developed to drive forward this work.

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, are leading on work to promote peatland restoration, communicate its benefits and increase demand. Work has started on a Communications Plan which will identify key messages for different target audiences and targeted media approaches. This will include using traditional and digital media to raise awareness of how peatland restoration plays a critical role in Scotland’s response to Climate Change and biodiversity emergencies, making direct contact with land managers and their agents at a local level and developing a suite of case studies to promote Peatland ACTION. Work is also underway to develop a plan for expanding the peatland restoration workforce.

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

NatureScot’s Communications Plan will be finalised in the next few months and will be shared with SG partners.

Timeframe and expected next steps?

Communications plan and plans on expanding the peatland restoration workforce will be implemented from 2022-23 and beyond.

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. This includes assessing options for alternative and transformative delivery models and agreeing a new action plan to deliver better protection, restoration and management of peatlands in Scotland.

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

In 2021 the Peatland Programme Board was established, which is the first step towards an updated vision for Scotland’s peatlands and improving overall efficiency in peatland restoration funding mechanisms and delivery.

Timeframe and expected next steps?

The work plan for the emerging Peatland Programme includes development of a new vision for Scotland’s peatlands and associated action plan.

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 time-scaled plan.

Date announced

2019-2020 PfG

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu

In our 2021-22 PfG, we pledged to take forward work to develop and consult on a ban on the sale of peat related gardening products, building on our wider commitment to phase out the use of peat in horticulture that was set out in the 2019-20 PfG. Discussion with industry has helped us understand transition issues and we have commissioned research that is helping us to understand attitudes of consumers and industry.

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

Outcomes of the consultation will be used to inform timescales and allow us to set milestones for phasing out the use of peat in horticulture.

Timeframe and expected next steps?

In 2022, we will launch a Scottish consultation on horticultural peat, which will inform both our direction and speed of travel.

Policy

Our Position Statement on National Planning Framework 4 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 draft fourth National Planning Framework (NPF4), which was laid in Parliament on 10 November 2021, 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 an industry of national importance to Scotland; and there is no reasonable substitute; and the area of extraction is the minimum necessary and the proposal aims to retain a residual depth of peat of no less than one metre across the whole site; and the time period for extraction is the minimum necessary; and the proposal is supported by a comprehensive site restoration plan which will return the area of extraction back to its original environmental status. The draft 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 draft soils policy also set out that; Local development plans should protect locally, regionally, nationally and internationally valued soils. The draft 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.

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 draft NPF4 was considered by Parliament and out for public consultation until the 31 March 2022. Consultation responses are now being reviewed, with an updated NPF4 being worked on.

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

The total validated units for this year represents an increase of 22.9% 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 141,595 tCO₂e net emissions reductions from Peatland Code projects in 2021.

Timeframe and expected next steps?

We will explore further opportunities to attract private sector investment such as through the development of a Scottish Carbon Fund and a price floor mechanism.

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 exploring how to scale up peatland restoration on the public estate through the ‘Natural capital on public land’ workgroup. This includes mapping publically owned land to help target restoration works.

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.

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

New [CCPu 2020]

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu

NatureScot, a key delivery partner for peatland restoration, have been working with a range of delivery bodies, agents and stakeholders to develop technical and practical advice across all phases of peatland restoration. This advice will be included in a Technical Compendium that can provide the basis for the standards expected in Scotland. NatureScot are well placed to provide technical and practical advice due to their expertise and knowledge across all phases of development projects.

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

NatureScot’s Technical Compendium is expected to be updated by the end of September 2022.

Timeframe and expected next steps?

Development of a Peatland Restoration Standard will follow publication of the Technical Compendium, with input from Scottish Government and a wide forum of stakeholders.

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

CPU 2020

Progress on implementation since time of last report / CCPu

Five Regional Land Use Partnership pilots have been establishing themselves, and they will develop Regional Land Use Frameworks by 2023. The regions are:

• Cairngorms National Park;
• Highlands Council Region;
• Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park;
• North East Region (Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City Councils);
• South of Scotland (Dumfries and Galloway and Scottish Borders Councils).

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

Regional Land Use Frameworks will be produced by each of the five pilot RLUPs by end-2023.

No indicators have been developed for RLUPs at this stage. The pilots will however play a facilitative role in support of the wider suite of LULUCF indicators.

Timeframe and expected next steps?

The pilots will begin development of their Regional Land Use Frameworks, which will be finalised by end-2023.

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

Scotland’s third Land Use Strategy was published on the 24th March 2021. It resets the strategic focus on to the integrated nature of land use and introduces a new landscape-based approach to demonstrating the range of demands placed on land and the variety of benefits it can provide.

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?

N/A