Cuts mean Scotland will not meet environment targets, say charities

A golden eagle flying over a field in the highlands of Scotland. A pledge to protect 30% of nature by 2030 is at risk, the charities say. Photograph: blickwinkel/Alamy

Scotland will fail to meet its ambitious rewilding and conservation targets unless it reverses deep cuts in funding for the environment, leading charities have said.

Nature and conservation funding in Scotland has been cut by tens of millions of pounds over the last decade, with ministers diverting the money to other policy areas, according to a group of 16 influential environment charities.