NatureScot works to improve the natural environment in Scotland, inspire everyone to care about it, and plays a major role in tackling the effects of climate change. Between 1994 and 2016, 49% of Scottish species have decreased in abundance. This degradation of nature contributes to the climate emergency and threatens our society and the wellbeing of future generations. A nature-rich future starts with halting biodiversity loss and protecting what we have now.

Crucial to protecting nature is species licensing. A licence is required to permit activities that will impact a protected species. NatureScot deals with almost all species licensing in Scotland. There are over 90 different species that require a license ranging from Deer to Great crested newts and natterjack toads. The highest volume license in Scotland is for Gulls.

Since 2021, Calba have been working with NatureScot to deliver Online Licensing Services (OLS), allowing members of the public to apply online, many of whom come from non-digital professions such as deer stalkers, foresters and farmers. OLS also allows NatureScot staff to efficiently and quickly process licence applications.

To date, the Calba/NatureScot OLS Agile Delivery team have delivered 12 online services across Deer, Gulls, Traps, Standard Forestry Operations (Badgers) and Red Grouse. All services have been developed following the principles of the Digital Scotland Services Standard.

Calba have provided agile delivery management and agile coaching expertise to the team, also software developers, business analysts and UX specialists to extend team capacity when required and upskill. Overall, building NatureScot’s agile and digital capabilities.