Pitlochry-based charity backs deer management report

The John Muir Trust has backed claims that deer management in Scotland is failing to protect important habitats.

The charity, along with the Scottish Wildlife Trust and RSPB Scotland, welcomed a study on deer management.

The report, by the environment, climate change and land reform committee, states that the current system is failing to protect important habitats.

The charities also welcome a recommendation to establish an independent working group to provide advice on the way forward for deer management.

Mike Daniels, head of land management at the John Muir Trust, said: “Unsustainable deer management has been a running sore within Scotland’s environment for decades. Our woodlands and peatlands deserve better.

“We are pleased that this cross-party committee has grasped the nettle on this issue and is asking for strong action from land managers and government regulators alike.”

Dr Maggie Keegan, head of policy at the Scottish Wildlife Trust, said: “Unsustainable numbers of deer in some areas are preventing regeneration of native woodland and causing damage to other important habitats.

“While some good progress has been made in recent years, half of Scotland’s deer management groups are still failing to outline how they will prevent damage to designated sites including woodlands and peatlands. These habitats take years to recover and the longer we wait to act, the greater the cost of restoring them.

“This report represents one of the closest examinations of deer management in Scotland ever carried out.”