Nitrate Vulnerable Zones Action Programme review

Feedback updated 17 Mar 2026

We asked

The public consultation sought views on our review of measures for The Action Programme for Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (Scotland) Regulations 2008. This review draws on scientific research, and new evidence affecting Nitrate Vulnerable Zones -Action Programme (NVZ-AP) measures - taking account of the varying agricultural, soil and climatic conditions that can be found in Scotland.  

You said

The consultation received nine responses in total. Overall, the majority of respondents supported our NVZ-AP review proposals to not make any changes at the present time. The consultation included a question seeking recommendations for future research, in order to support the development of future NVZ-AP measures, which received four responses.  

We did

Given the review, the consultation feedback, and broader considerations such as the continued phased implementation of Scotland wide diffuse pollution mitigation measures, we consider that the NVZ-AP measures remain appropriate and do not intend to make any changes as a result of this review.  

We are grateful for these responses, and we will consider the suggested areas for future research and any opportunities to take them, and wider research questions, forward. We will consider potential areas of research and new measures ahead of the next review in 2029. 

Closed 13 Oct 2025

Opened 21 Jul 2025

Contact

Water Environment Team

waterenvironment@gov.scot

Overview

We invite stakeholders to respond to our review of the Action Programme for Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (Scotland) Regulations 2008.

We are reviewing the measures in the current Nitrate Vulnerable Zones Action Programme to evaluate whether they remain sufficient to achieve the aims of the Nitrates Directive. The review considers the latest scientific research and new evidence affecting Action Programme measures - taking account of the variation in agricultural, soil and climatic conditions.

The Protection of Water Against Agricultural Nitrate Pollution (Scotland) Regulations 1996 introduced into Scotland the requirements of the Nitrates Directive (91/676/EEC), which aims to control and reduce the loss of nitrate from farming to protect drinking water sources and the water environment, in general.

We designate areas as Nitrate Vulnerable Zones where nitrate concentrations in water have reached or are approaching 50 milligrams per litre. In Scotland 10% of the land is designated as Nitrate Vulnerable Zones. Within these Nitrate Vulnerable Zones measures, designed to limit the quantities of nitrate lost from farms into Scotland's water environment based on best farming practice, are implemented through an Action Programme. 

Read the consultation paper. The consultation paper contains full background information for this consultation. You may find it useful to read or refer to while responding.

Why your views matter

We are seeking views on the review of the measures in the current Nitrate Vulnerable Zone Action Programme to support our evaluation of whether they remain sufficient to achieve the aims of the Nitrates Directive. Scottish Ministers will take into account the views expressed in making their decision on the review of the Action Programme for Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (Scotland) Regulations 2008.

What happens next

Following this consultation Scottish Ministers will take into account the views expressed in making their decision on the review of the Action Programme for Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (Scotland) Regulations 2008. A breakdown of responses and how they were addressed will be published.

Interests

  • Environment and Climate Change
  • Farming and Rural
  • Main hub