Consultations Timeline

Public Consultations Timeline

05.12.25 - Environmental Standards Scotland - updated Strategy 2026-2031 | This consultation invites views on the updated Strategy of Environmental Standards Scotland for 2026 to 2031. It focuses on new sections added after feedback from the Scottish Parliament and seeks comment on how ESS will monitor compliance with environmental law, investigate concerns, and work with public authorities to secure improvements.
03.11.25 - Regulation of fish and shellfish farm deposits | This consultation aims to unify and simplify the regulation of fish and shellfish farm discharges across Scotland’s waters (0–12 nautical miles) by designating SEPA as the single responsible authority. Establishing a consistent regulatory framework will strengthen environmental protection, prevent duplication, and support sustainable aquaculture growth while safeguarding marine ecosystems.
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30.09.25 - Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Marine Nature Recovery Framework | The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Marine Nature Recovery Framework consultation invites the public to help shape a shared vision for restoring and protecting marine and coastal environments. It is important because the framework will guide sustainable management, safeguard priority habitats and species, and contribute to national goals for nature recovery by 2030.
16.08.25 - Draft Marine and Coastal Restoration Plan | This consultation seeks public input on Scotland’s first Marine and Coastal Restoration Plan, which aims to protect and restore marine habitats facing increasing pressures. It is important as it will guide actions to enhance ecosystem resilience, support biodiversity, and sustain the livelihoods of rural and coastal communities.
16.08.2025 - Salmon fishing: proposed river gradings for 2026 season | This consultation invites feedback on proposed river gradings for Scotland’s 2026 salmon fishing season, based on annual assessments of wild Atlantic salmon conservation status. It is important as these gradings guide sustainable fishing practices, helping protect vulnerable salmon populations while supporting responsible recreational fishing.
06.08.2025 - Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture Research Strategy 2027-32 | This consultation seeks input on Scotland’s draft Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture (ENRA) Research Strategy 2027-32. It focuses on guiding long-term multidisciplinary research priorities across sustainable agriculture, land use, biodiversity, climate action, and food systems to support Scotland’s environmental and agricultural future.
05.07.2025 - Draft Environment Strategy | A national consultation by the Scottish Government seeking views on a new strategy to address nature loss, climate change, and pollution. It outlines a framework for a just transition to a greener economy while promoting public health, equity, and sustainability.
26.06.2025 - Pathway Action Plans for Invasive Non-native Species | This UK-wide consultation seeks public and stakeholder views on five draft Pathway Action Plans (PAPs) aimed at preventing the spread of invasive non-native species (INNS) in Great Britain. The plans focus on key pathways, including recreational boating, angling, horticulture, zoos, and the pet trade.
08.06.2025 - Environmental Standards Scotland Strategy 2026-2031 | This consultation invites public feedback on Environmental Standards Scotland’s draft Strategy for 2026-2031. It’s important because it shapes how Scotland protects nature, tackles climate change, and ensures environmental laws are effectively enforced. Engaging in this process helps influence a healthier environment for everyone.
07.05.2025 - Developing an ecosystem restoration code for Scotland | This consultation supports the co-development of a high-integrity Ecosystem Restoration Code for Scotland, aimed at guiding private investment into biodiversity and nature restoration projects. It forms part of a Scottish Government and NatureScot initiative under the 2024 Natural Capital Market Framework.
02.05.2025 - Open Call for Knowledge and Call for Interest on “Blueprint for site-specific conservation objectives for marine Natura 2000 sites in European sea basins” (CfK 01/2025) | A consultation to gather expert knowledge and methodologies for creating a blueprint of site-specific conservation objectives for marine Natura 2000 sites across European sea basins, under the EU Birds and Habitats Directives.
08.04.2025 - Animal Health Fixed Penalty Notice Scheme | This consultation seeks views on the introduction of a fixed penalty notice scheme for animal health breaches in Scotland. It aims to improve enforcement by allowing authorities to issue fines for specific non-compliance, reducing the need for prosecution.
08.04.2025 - Climate change duties - draft statutory guidance for public bodies: consultation | This consultation invites feedback on updated statutory guidance for public bodies in Scotland regarding their climate change duties. The revised guidance outlines expectations and responsibilities to help these bodies contribute effectively to national emissions reduction targets and climate resilience.

07.04.2025 - Community benefits from net zero energy developments | This consultation reviews the Good Practice Principles for community benefits from onshore and offshore renewable energy projects, aiming to ensure that communities and developers maximize the social and economic benefits. It seeks input to inform updates that support a just transition to net-zero energy in Scotland.
18.12.2024 - Draft Implementation Plan: Vision for Scotland's public electric vehicle charging network | This Vision aims to create a comprehensive, user-friendly, and green energy-powered network that meets all users' needs and supports private investment. The consultation focuses on expanding infrastructure, ensuring inclusivity, and refining proposed actions. Your input will help shape the final plan for Scotland’s sustainable EV charging future.
18.12.2024 - National Marine Plan 2 Planning Position Statement | This consultation seeks feedback on proposed policy ideas for Scotland's updated National Marine Plan (NMP2), aiming to manage the seas sustainably and address current and future challenges.
18.12.2024 - Environmental Protection (Single-Use Vapes) (Scotland) Regulations 2024 - fixed penalty notice amendment: consultation | This consultation seeks feedback on introducing Fixed Penalty Notices for offences under regulations banning single-use vapes, plastics, cotton buds, and microbeads in Scotland, alongside updates to the Single-Use Vapes Regulations.
20.11.2024 - Proposals to amend Scottish Government policy on the protection afforded to certain Ramsar features | This consultation seeks views on proposed changes to Scottish Government policy on the protection of Ramsar sites, to treat them in the same way as European sites for the purposes of the Habitats Regulations Appraisal process.
05.09.2024 - Fisheries Management Measures within Scottish Offshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) | Scottish Ministers have committed to delivering fisheries management measures for existing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) where these are not already in place. This is in line with the Scottish Government's vision for the marine environment, for clean, healthy, safe, productive and diverse seas; managed to meet the long-term needs of nature and people.
30.04.2024 - Facilitating marine nature restoration through legislation | The consultation on legislative proposals which would enable Scottish Ministers to introduce a registration process for marine nature restoration projects, and apply Marine Conservation Orders to habitats and species undergoing restoration and standalone European marine sites.
22.03.2024 - Better protecting sharks through sustainable fishing and trade |Through the ‘Stop Finning – Stop the Trade’ European citizens’ initiative (ECI) submitted on 11 January 2023, 1.1 million European citizens requested the European Commission to stop EU trade in loose shark fins. In its response to the Initiative published on 5 July 2023, the Commission committed to examining the opportunity of taking measures that would require sharks to be placed on the market, be it for consumption within the EU or for export, only with their fins naturally attached.

13.12.2023 - Tackling the Nature Emergency - strategic framework for biodiversity: consultation | A consultation on Scotland’s Strategic Framework for Biodiversity, including the first 5-year Delivery Plan for the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy, and elements of the proposed Natural Environment Bill.