http://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2026/6/contentsNatural Environment (Scotland) Act 2026enStatute Law Database2026-07-03Expert Participation2026-06-18 Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2026 Part 1Targets for improving biodiversity1Targets for improving biodiversity2Reports on compliance with biodiversity duty Part 2National parksModification of aims and purposes of National Parks3Aims of National ParksPolicy statement on National Parks4Policy statement on National ParksNational Park proposals5Advice before making National Park proposalsReports on National Park proposals6Choice of reporter for National Park proposalsDefinitions for the National Parks (Scotland) Act 20007Definitions for the National Parks (Scotland) Act 2000Duties in respect of National Parks8Duty to facilitate implementation of National Park PlansNational Park authorities as local authorities for access rights9Meaning of local authority for the purpose of access rightsEnforcement of National Park byelaws10Power to make regulations for the issuing of fixed penalty notices Part 3Deer managementAims and purposes of deer management11Aims and purposes of deer managementMembership of advisory panels12Scottish Natural Heritage representation on advisory panelsCode of practice on deer management13Code of practice on deer managementDeer management plans, control agreements and control schemes14Grounds for intervention15Deer management plans16Control agreements17Right to request action where deer are not being managed18Control schemes19Recovery of costs and expenses20Limitation of criminal liabilityPreventing or stopping damage by deer21Measures to prevent damage by deer22Action to prevent or stop harm to personsNational deer management and venison plan23National deer management and venison plan24National deer management and venison plan: matters which may be considered25National deer management and venison plan: initial consideration of matters relating to venisonSNH investigatory powers26Power to enter on land27Power to require information and documents28Giving notices electronicallyAuthorisations for particular activities29Authorisation for taking or killing deer during close seasons30Authorisation for taking or killing deer at night31Authorisation for use of vehicles to drive deer32Offence of shooting deer with a shotgun33Register of authorised persons34Repeal of obligation to carry out competence review35Requirement to be fit and competent for certain authorisations36Repeal of saving of right to take deer on land37Right of occupier or grazings committee to prevent damage by deerStray farmed deer38Liability for taking or killing stray farmed deerLicensing of dealing in venison39Removal of requirements related to licensing to deal in venisonReview of modifications40Review of modifications to the Deer (Scotland) Act 1996 Part 4Miscellaneous and generalBuilding regulations: swift nest box41Building regulations: swift nest boxMarine protection42Nature conservation marine protected areas: climate adaptationSalmon and freshwater fishing43Modification of offences and penalties related to fishingReport on penalties in sea fisheries legislation44Report on penalties in sea fisheries legislationGulls45Report on gull populationScallop shells46Guidance about scallop shellsWildlife licensing47Licensing: protection of mountain hares48Licensing: land on which certain birds may be killed or takenWildfires49Wildfires: enabling local authorities to issue fixed penalty noticesMeaning of public authority in the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 200450Meaning of public authority etc. in the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004Ramsar sites51Further provision about Ramsar sitesForestry52Sustainable forest management53Forestry: offence of unauthorised fellingImprovement plans under the European Union (Continuity) (Scotland) Act 202154Procedure to approve improvement plansMuirburn55Muirburn licensing: making muirburn for purpose of approved training course56Muirburn licensing: grounds for grant of licenceGeneral57Regulations58Ancillary provision59Commencement60Short title 2026 asp 6 An Act of the Scottish Parliament to make provision about setting targets relating to biodiversity; to make provision in relation to national parks; to make provision in connection with the management of deer; to make certain other miscellaneous provisions relating to environmental matters; and for connected purposes. The Bill for this Act of the Scottish Parliament was passed by the Parliament on 29th January 2026 and received Royal Assent on 12th March 2026