Deer are an asset for Scotland

The image of deer as an issue only affecting remote Highland glens is now completely out of date, according to the Deer Commission for Scotland. Instead red deer and roe deer are Scotland’s most iconic species and an important asset for the country – a source of pride and enjoyment for the entire population whether in herds on Scottish hillsides or in woodlands around our towns and cities.

Speaking on the day the Deer Commission for Scotland launched its Annual Report for 2005/2006, Chairman Professor John Milne said: “For too long deer and deer-related issues have been viewed as a problem. Whilst their densities may be too high to meet natural heritage objectives in some areas, overall we see deer as a valuable commodity for Scotland, providing jobs in the countryside and being a key player in many of our internationally renowned habitats. “The Deer Commission for Scotland’s job is to make sure these wild animals help Scotland to flourish – to provide secure jobs in our tourism and sporting industries, in venison production and marketing; to protect sensitive environmental sites from deer damage so that future generations can enjoy Scotland’s natural wonders; to minimise damage to timber and crops so that rural industries can prosper; and to help keep our roads as safe as possible – in short to maximise the contribution that deer can make to the continued growth, health and enjoyment of the nation.”

The Annual Report for 2005/2006 provides details of the Commission’s work across a broad front including local initiatives to protect valuable natural habitats, woodlands and agricultural land, address deer accident hotspots, deer-related research and long-term work to improve deer management standards across the sector as a whole. This is done in collaboration with the deer sector through the organising of demonstration events and the publication of best practice guidance.

For further information please contact:
Alastair MacGugan
DCS Communications Officer
Tel: 01463 725366
Mob: 07717 355712

NOTES TO THE EDITOR

The Annual Report 2005/2006 is available on the DCS website at www.dcs.gov.uk. The document provides details of DCS’ involvement in deer management in Scotland including the Priority Site process where control measures are required in specific locations to ensure deer exist in balance with their environment and do not cause damage to important natural habitats, woodland and agricultural land, DCS’ work in addressing areas where deer pose a hazard to driver safety, initiatives designed to improve the public and private benefits associated with deer and the Best Practice project which is designed to improve standards of deer management across the sector as a whole and is being implemented with the deer sector.

There are also details about research commissioned or carried out by DCS in 2005/2006 including the ageing of red deer using jaws, the impact of different culling methods on physiological and physical qualities of red deer and a project to assess deer impacts on blanket bog vegetation.

The Deer Commission for Scotland is the non-departmental public body responsible for furthering the conservation, control and sustainable management of all species of wild deer in Scotland, and for keeping under review all matters relating to wild deer including welfare.

The Scottish Biodiversity Survey, commissioned by the Scottish Executive and completed in December 2005, provides a list of flora, fauna and habitats in Scotland deemed to be of principle importance for biodiversity conservation. The work brought together a wide range of stakeholders and was overseen by a group of scientists. It is a tool for public bodies and others involved in biodiversity to use when carrying out their work.

The project also includes a list of the 10 most important animals, plants and habitats in Scotland according to a social survey carried out on members of the public. The results showed Red or Roe deer as the most important animals species in Scotland, above the Red Squirrel and the Golden Eagle.

Further details about the Scottish Biodiversity survey and the Scottish Biodiversity List are available at www.biodiversityscotland.gov.uk