Dundee biodiversity action to 2030

A refreshed Biodiversity Action Plan for Dundee to protect, restore and enhance the city’s natural environment until 2030 is set to be considered by Councillors next week.

In line with other Scottish local authorities, Dundee City Council is legally required to protect, restore and enhance biodiversity within its area.

The updated Biodiversity Action Plan 2026-2030 replaces the previous 2020-2025 plan and reflects new national policy, including National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4), the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy and emerging Nature Network requirements.

The plan continues the city’s vision of working together to protect, enhance and raise awareness of biodiversity in Dundee for the benefit of all. It focuses action on important urban ecosystems, habitats and species while helping to strengthen the city’s Nature Network and improve resilience to climate change.

The plan highlights a number of key priorities for its duration:

• The introduction of Dundee’s first city-wide Nature Network map, identifying key biodiversity sites and ecological connections across the city;

• Development of a public Opportunity Map to identify existing and future biodiversity projects and help attract investment and partnership working;

• New actions to support woodland creation, community orchards, Wee Forests and a potential Tayside Climate Forest project;

• Measures to restore and create wetland habitats, improve fish passage in waterways and support river restoration projects such as the Dighty and St Mary’s initiatives;

• Enhanced protection and management of grasslands, coastal habitats, woodlands and urban green spaces;

• Review Locally Important Nature Conservation Sites (LINCS) for inclusion in the Local Development Plan;

• New programmes to support schools, community growing projects, volunteer groups and citizen science initiatives.

Climate, Net Zero & Environment Convener Cllr Lynne Short said: “Dundee has made significant progress in protecting and enhancing biodiversity over recent years and this updated plan provides a clear framework for building on that success through to 2030.

“The plan takes into consideration the changes in national policy while embedding biodiversity across Council services, city planning and future development.

“A significant development has been the creation of Dundee’s Nature Networks which connects the city’s habitats and helps wildlife to adapt, grow and move in a safe way.”

Depute Convener Cllr Lee Mills said: “The refreshed Biodiversity Action Plan also acknowledges the importance biodiversity has in tackling climate change, boosting health and wellbeing, and offering attractive places for people to live, work and visit.

“By working together with local communities, partner organisations, schools and volunteers, this Plan can be delivered upon to greatly enhance Dundee’s natural environment.”

The report will go to the Council’s Climate, Net Zero & Environment Committee on Monday 24^th August 2026 and can be viewed in full on the Dundee City Council website.