Scotland’s Wild Deer
A National Approach (wDNA)

In 20 years time there will be:

'Widespread understanding and achievement of ‘sustainable deer management’ – the conservation, control and use of all species of deer’

What is Scotland's Wild Deer: A National Approach?

Stakeholders and agencies created Scotland's Wild Deer: A National Approach (WDNA) together.  It is an approach to and vision of the sustainable management of wild deer.

Why is it called an "Approach"?- Underpinning WDNA is the need for people to work together to deliver sustainable deer management.  This approach to deer management is integral to achieve sustainable deer management.

How is WDNA being delivered?- We are delivering the WDNA through a series of action plans.  The purpose of each plan is to co-ordinate activity across the deer sector showing the breadth and depth of activities contributing to the vision.  The plans recognise the formal and informal partnerships delivering actions on the ground, as well as the individual leads on certain actions.

Second Action Plan is Published

The second Action Plan was published in June 2010.  It contains over 70 actions for delivery in 2010/11 by stakeholders and agencies.  Highlights of the plan include:

We will develop a Code for Deer Management setting out what is expected of land managers managing deer on their land.

• Protecting Scotland's Biodiversity

Our Target is to increase the number of designated sites vulnerable to deer impacts into favourable or recovering condition from 89% to 95% during this year.

• The Rut - Programme of Deer Watching Events

A number of organisations will deliver a series of events around the red deer rut to encourage people to experience and develop an understanding of deer and deer management.

Principles of Scotland's Wild Deer: A National Approach

The following principles are key to deliver the WDNA:

• Provide a Scottish framework to guide local decision-making and improve delivery of deer management
• Develop inclusive and representative decision-making processes
• Maximise the value of wild deer to contribute to the local and national economy
• Manage deer as an integral and essential part of biodiversity
• Encourage more people to participate in and enjoy activities which involve wild deer in Scotland

Development of Scotland's Wild Deer: A National Approach Agency Support

The Deer Commission led a partnership approach to developing WDNA through a strategy steering group which included SNH, FCS, and the Scottish Government.  The steering group provided input into WDNA and oversaw its content and presentation.

Stakeholder Support

An Advisory group, representing industry and related interests, provided input into WDNA from its inception through to the final document.  They will also play an important role in delivering the actions on the ground.

Wider Support

the public consultation elicited 90 responses which have been presented in an analysis report.  The key themes from these responses have been incorporated into the final WDNA

Strategic Environmental and Socio-Economic Assessments

We Developed the WDNA at the same time as an assessment of its potential effects on both the environment and socio economics - this is reported in the Environment and Socio-Economic Report.

Downloads
1st WDNA Action Plan	[101KB]
Consultation Draft	[901KB]
Wild Deer in Scotland: - Analysis of Consultation Responses
Environment and Socio-Economic Report	[409KB]
Socio-Economic Report appendices	[339KB]
Environment Report appendices	[2075KB]
Wild Deer Strategy – Monitoring Framework
Post Adoption Statement
wDNA Indicators - June 2009	[46KB]