Policy Overview
SWT has a long history of campaigning to ensure that Government environmental policies help safeguard Scotland’s wildlife. We aim to make Scotland a global leader in the field of wildlife protection.
By working closely with a whole range of partners, including the Scottish Government and its agencies, the Scottish Parliament and other conservation organisations, we can persuade the Government to introduce appropriate laws, provide financial incentives and promote wildlife-friendly policies.
We have made some progress in recent years through our work on the Nature Conservation Act of 2004 and the national Biodiversity Strategy but much more needs to be done. Wildlife is under increasing threat from climate change, habitat loss and fragmentation, unsustainable rural land use practices, non-native invasive species, diffuse pollution and the continued mismanagement of our precious marine environment.
Big challenges lie ahead. We will continue to promote wildlife-friendly policies across many areas including:
- ecosystem-scale conservation policies which help wildlife communities to thrive across whole landscapes not just in small, protected ‘ghettos’;
- policies and design guidance which promotes more nature in towns and cities;
- policies which ensure agriculture and forestry practices don’t damage the environment;
- planning policies which safeguard the most important places for wildlife and avoid further fragmenting of natural habitats;
- legislation which affords strong protection for the marine environment;
- policies which recognise that health, wealth and happiness of Scotland’s people depends on having access to a thriving natural environment.
What are SWT's policies?
What does Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT) think about fish farming? Are we against genetically modified crops? Do we allow shooting on our reserves? Do we support wind energy?
As a leading conservation body, SWT shares its views on often contentious and emotive issues through policies developed using expertise and input from across the organisation. Each policy is approved by SWT Council before being adopted.
Download the policy documents below 