Foreword

Scotland's natural environment is one of our greatest assets. From our ancient woodlands and peatlands to our rivers, lochs, and coastlines, biodiversity underpins our wellbeing, our economy, and our unique cultural identity. Yet, like many nations, we face a stark reality: the continued loss and degradation of ecosystems threatens not only the species that inhabit them but also the services they provide to society. As we move towards a net-zero future, it is essential that our efforts to decarbonise transport go hand in hand with decisive action to protect and enhance our natural world.

As the agency responsible for our nation's connectivity, Transport Scotland has a crucial role to play in this endeavour. Our transport network traverses diverse landscapes, interacting with a wide array of ecosystems and habitats. This presents both challenges and opportunities for biodiversity conservation and enhancement.

As Chief Executive, I am proud to introduce Transport Scotland’s Biodiversity Strategy and Delivery Plan—our sectoral response to the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy (SBS) and its overarching Framework. This plan sets out how we will play our part in halting biodiversity loss and restoring nature, while delivering a transport system that is sustainable, inclusive, and resilient.

This sectoral Strategy represents Transport Scotland's commitment to aligning with the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy to 2045. It outlines a comprehensive approach to minimising our negative impacts on nature and maximising our positive contributions to Scotland's unique biodiversity.

This Strategy is built around four strategic aims: to reduce the rate of ecosystem loss and degradation; to protect, restore, and enhance natural ecosystems; to increase landscape connectivity; and to avoid climate actions that harm biodiversity. These aims are underpinned by seven clear objectives - from embedding biodiversity into all our decision-making and promoting soil health, to managing invasive species, restoring habitats, and fostering meaningful partnerships with communities and stakeholders.

This is not just a plan for Transport Scotland - it is a commitment to future generations. A commitment to ensure that our transport networks do not come at the cost of nature but instead become part of its recovery. I look forward to working with our partners and stakeholders to create a transport network that truly works in harmony with nature, for the benefit of all Scotland's people and wildlife.

Together, we can build a transport system that continues to move people and goods efficiently, while also nurturing the ecosystems that sustain us all.

Alison Irvine

Transport Scotland Chief Executive