Joint Working

Introduction

The increasingly complex issues surrounding deer management make a joined-up government approach to the use of public incentives and regulation more important than ever.

DCS initiated a Working Group led by the Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department (SEERAD) known as the Deer Inter-agency Liaison Group (DILG) which includes Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS), SEERAD and DCS. The group determines and agrees the underlying principles for achieving the right mix and focus for the use of incentives and regulation, recognising that no single body has all the tools or powers necessary to act alone, particularly in relation to the protection of the natural heritage.

This new joint working arrangement has allowed a more integrated approach in the identification, monitoring and addressing of potential damage to important natural heritage sites. This has helped to address priority areas where grazing, particularly by wild deer, may be causing concern.

Priority sites Process

DCS focuses resources on sites where deer may be causing significant damage to the natural heritage, agriculture and forestry or are a danger to public safety. This requires clear and transparent procedures for assessment.

[click relevant site area to see information]

Natural heritage sites: 1 Ben Loyal; 2 Ardvar Woodlands; 3 North Harris; 4 Rhidorroch woods; 5 Alladale; 6 Ardlair/ Letterewe; 7 Coulin pinewood; 8 Coille Thogabhaig; 9 Drumochter hills; 10 Sunart; 11 Ard Trilleachan; 12 Ben More/ Stob Binnein; 13 Ardchyline wood; 14 Ardmore, Kildalton & Callumkill woodlands; 15 Arran northern mountains

Sites For Assessment

DCS will work with owners/occupiers to establish whether damage or a threat to public safety is in fact occurring. DCS will visit the site, involve other public bodies as appropriate and encourage the owner/occupiers to contact their Deer Management Group at the earliest opportunity.

Priority Sites

If, and only if, the Board of DCS is subsequently satisfied that deer are causing damage to agriculture, woodland or the natural heritage or that deer present a threat to public safety will areas be classified as Priority Sites. DCS will then work with owners and occupiers to prepare a written Deer Management Agreement aimed at finding solutions.

Voluntary Control Agreements
Priority Sites maybe covered by a Section 7 Control Agreement under the Deer (Scotland) Act 1996 to prevent deer from causing damage to natural habitats, injury to livestock or becoming a danger or potential danger to public safety.

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