NatureScot has opened a consultation on a Scottish Planning Biodiversity Metric designed to help developers demonstrate that projects leave nature in a better condition.

Announced on 28 August 2026, the tool will enable applicants to quantify biodiversity at a site before and after construction, providing evidence that schemes deliver significant improvements as required under National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4).

Following an initial survey of habitats — such as grassland, peatland and woodland — the metric calculates the baseline value of biodiversity. It then indicates how much habitat needs to be created or restored to replace and enhance any losses arising from development.

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Proposed restoration measures include pollinator-friendly green spaces, connecting wildlife habitats, and natural flood management — for example creating wetlands and planting trees to slow water flow and improve drainage.

The consultation runs from 31 August to 30 November, with a refined version of the tool due in spring 2027. People can take part via the consultation webpage, which seeks feedback on the working tool, user guide and habitat condition assessment.

NatureScot's Director of Green Economy, Robbie Kernahan said: "Nature loss and climate change is everyone's business and developers have an essential part to play in tackling the global crises.

"In Scotland, all large-scale development proposals need to show that they will leave biodiversity in a much better state than before. This supports our ambition to restore and regenerate Scotland's nature by 2045.

"Working closely with partners, we've produced a planning tool that allows developers to calculate the value of biodiversity before and after development takes place, providing a consistent way to demonstrate benefits.

"We aim to publish a refined version of the tool in spring 2027, taking account of the consultation feedback."