One year to go: a final Programme for Government

With a year to go until the next Scottish Parliament election on 7 May 2026, Scotland's First Minister, John Swinney, has announced that he plans to bring forward his Programme for Government (PFG) statement to 6 May instead of the usual September.

Woodland Trust Scotland is already thinking ahead to the 2026-2031 parliament, and like many other organisations we'll be publishing a manifesto later this year. However, Mr Swinney's announcement serves as a stark reminder that there's an awful lot that his government needs to deliver for nature and climate before parliament is dissolved 11 months from now. Here are just some of the things that need to be cleared from his in-tray:

• Deliver meaningful reform to legislation and policy incentives around deer management through the Natural Environment Bill.
• Deliver a National Register of Ancient Woodland. This was promised in 2021 and has been delayed. We need it so we can protect our ancient woodland from threats.
• Introduce meaningful land reform which works for landowners and communities, including a requirement for clear land management plans that insist on increasing biodiversity and enabling nature recovery.
• Deliver a reformed post-Brexit farm payments system which enables farmers and crofters to do more for nature and climate, such as planting more native trees and low-density woodland.

Time is running out to get these commitments delivered in this parliament. The PFG statement must be bold, radical and laser-focused, with government and its agencies steadfastly behind it, if it is to deliver for nature and climate as it delivers across all other government portfolios.

For "a future where Scotland's natural environment is restored and is supporting thriving communities and wildlife", we need to see bold action right now.