Greens want nature Bill changes to help one of Scotland’s ‘most iconic species’

Greens want to re-write proposed new legislation to help “save” one of Scotland’s “most iconic native species” – the red squirrel.

Co-leader Ross Greer is to bring forward amendments to a Bill going through Holyrood, calling for a timeline for expanding the red squirrel population.

It is among more than 300 changes that have been proposed to the Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill – with Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat MSPs also seeking to make changes.

The Bill was introduced by the Scottish Government, with one of its key aims being to help tackle problems such as species decline.

If passed by Holyrood, the Bill would introduce a new duty on Scottish ministers to set legally binding targets for nature restoration.

Mr Greer, however, said more needed to be done to help Scotland’s red squirrel population.

The Green MSP said: “Red squirrels are one of Scotland’s most iconic native species, but their numbers have plunged in the last few decades.

“We need more government action to reverse this and get their population back to where it needs to be.”

He described the creatures as being “iconic little acrobats” who are “vital in helping regenerate our forests by spreading seeds and fungi to maintain the health of our woodland ecosystems”.

Mr Greer continued: “Scotland is extremely nature depleted and if we don’t act now to change that, we will reap the consequences for decades to come.

“That is why I’m tabling amendments to offer more protections for red squirrels and help their population recover.

“This is a species already in great decline, with competition from the invasive grey squirrels for their habitats and food sources causing devastation for the reds. We can do more to change that through this Bill.”

The legislation, which has already passed its first vote at Holyrood, also aims to reform deer management in Scotland, and modernise the powers of the authorities in charge of Scotland’s national parks.

Members of the Rural Affairs Committee will begin debating amendments to it on Wednesday.

Charlotte Maddix, co-ordinator for the Scottish Rewilding Alliance, said MSPs from across Holyrood had brought forward “bold ideas” to improve the legislation and help “bring nature surging back to our hills, rivers, woodlands, lochs and seas, as well as our villages, towns and cities”

She said it was “also time for a clear-eyed, evidence-led discussion about joining our European neighbours in reintroducing the Eurasian lynx”.

The campaigner added: “Alongside this, prioritising natural woodland regeneration, and rolling out national action to reduce soaring deer numbers – including serving healthy wild venison in hospitals, schools and workplaces – would help our forests breathe again.”

Meanwhile, Charles Millar, executive director of the Sustainable Inshore Fisheries Trust, said they wanted to see “practical changes to protect our marine environment”.

As amendments are debated he said that “amongst other things, MSPs will be offered the chance to protect Scotland’s most sensitive sea lochs, which act as exceptional marine carbon stores, and to bring in more effective enforcement of illegal fishing, including in marine protected areas”

Mr Millar added the Bill could also be used to “give coastal communities a measure of local control over environmental protection and fisheries” and to “put a limit on the unsustainable extraction of wrasse”, a type of fish used for sea lice control in the salmon farming sector.

Dan Paris of Scottish Environment LINK said the large number of amendments that had been submitted showed that “Parliament is itching to act”.

He added: “While the introduction of nature targets is in itself welcome, it is the action that follows those targets that will really count.

“This Bill is a rare legislative opportunity to drive action and, in the face of nature and climate crises, it is an opportunity that shouldn’t be missed.”

Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin said: “The Scottish Government is unequivocally committed to protecting our environment.

“The Natural Environment Bill, with its framework for statutory targets across land and sea, will support our ambition to restore biodiversity and tackle climate change by putting in place measures that will deliver a nature positive vision for Scotland.

“I welcome engagement from members and stakeholders on the Bill and look forward to discussing all of the proposed amendments during the Stage 2 debate.”