In this episode of Nature In A Nutshell, we take a deep dive into one of the most significant developments in Scottish Environmental Policy: the proposed Scottish Planning Biodiversity Metric.
We're joined by special guest Sarah Macdonald-Smart, Biodiversity Metric Officer at NatureScot, who shares her expertise on the development of the metric, how it differs from England's Biodiversity Net Gain approach, and how it aims to support better outcomes for nature through Scotland's planning system. We explore key questions around irreplaceable habitats, habitat creation and enhancement, invasive non-native species, long-term monitoring, watercourse assessments and what practitioners should consider when responding to the current consultation.
We also discuss the Scottish Government's new Programme for Government 2026-31, including proposals to accelerate planning and regulation, and the potentially far-reaching plans to merge several environmental bodies, including NatureScot and SEPA, into a single environmental organisation. We examine what this could mean for biodiversity delivery, regulation, protected areas and environmental governance in Scotland, as well as CIEEM's response to the proposals.
To round off the episode, we bring you some positive news as the Bank of England announces that future UK banknotes will feature native wildlife, with a buff-tailed bumblebee, barn owl, Atlantic puffin and European hedgehog set to appear on redesigned notes following a public vote.
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Show notes:
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