DCS Publishes Findings of the Sustainable Deer Management Project

DCS has published a report from the sustainable deer management project which aimed to gain a better understanding of the main drivers behind current deer management decision making in the private and public sector. In order to capture the "local" aspect a case study approach was used to pick up on the diverse patterns of land use and ownership found across Scotland.

This information was cross-matched with current best practice thinking on the sustainable management of a naturally renewable shared resource like deer in order to consider how the “voluntary” approach could be better supported to deliver sustainable deer management in the future.

Please access the report here...

DCS launch guidance for deer managers on climate change

DCS have published guidance to help deer managers to take practical steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as a result of wild deer management. The Scottish Government have set a target to reduce emissions in Scotland by 80% by 2050. The DCS has undertaken some initial research to support deer managers contributing to this reduction, the results of which are published in this guidance. Sources of further information are provided.

Please access the guidance here...

Go-ahead for Deer Commission and SNH merger

Scotland's public service landscape will be further simplified by the merger of the Deer Commission for Scotland (DCS) with Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH).

The merger, ratified March 25th by Parliament, will be finalised on July 1, with organisations already having headquarters in the same Inverness building.

read the Scottish Government Press Release...

Deer day at Beecraigs for Linlithgow children

Linlithgow Primary School children enjoyed learning all about deer and seeing them up close and personal at Beecraigs Country Park at a school event held 9th March.

The 65 children had a fun-filled day at Beecraigs Country Park on Tuesday, learning about deer and venison from Deer Commission for Scotland (DCS) and Beecraigs staff.

The pupils learned about Scotland’s wild deer, deer tracks and signs of deer, and deer impacts on the environment. They were also shown around the deer farm at Beecraigs, learning how venison is produced, and even got to try some at lunch-time.

Linlithgow Primary School teacher, Kirsti Orskov, said: “The pupils were amazed at how close they got to the deer and thoroughly enjoyed their day out – they will be talking about their experiences for a long time. I think it is a fantastic initiative to educate and entertain young pupils about these important animals.”

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