Our policy and guidance
We publish a range of policy and guidance documents setting out our position and advice on nature and landscapes topics.
We participate in policy development:
- by responding to consultations
- by delivering advice sought by Scottish Ministers
- by working jointly with other parties with an interest in the topic
- through a combination of the above means
Where changes in approach are proposed, we aim to consult widely among those likely to be affected.
Like all public sector organisations, we carry out Strategic Environmental Assessment for our own plans and strategies, consulting publicly on both the assessments and draft plans.
Policy statements
Our policy statements cover a wide range of topics – some general, some specific.
The statements outline our approach to aspects of nature and landscapes, and their management, and to our own activities.
Policy statements usually result from careful review of the topic within NatureScot and in consultation with other interested parties. They form the basis of much of the advice we provide to others.
You can access all of our policy statements relating to a specific topic from the relevant page of this website.
Alternatively, search our publications and documents for relevant policy statements.
Guidance documents
Guidance documents can be found across this website, wherever they are relevant to a topic. All of these documents are also located in our publications and documents.