Wild deer are an important component of Scotland's wildlife and have a significant ecological role as the largest undomesticated grazers. They are an integral part of the Scottish scene and at an appropriate density can contribute to maintaining the natural heritage value of many habitats. However, deer can cause damage to woodland, agriculture and the natural heritage through grazing, browsing and trampling. Assessing the Damage You can view a short introductory guide to the subject:
[animation] When determining whether "damage" or "serious damage" is occurring, DCS will take into account of the nature and extent of the impact of deer and other herbivores on the land, the importance assigned to those features by owners, national and international legislation, government policy and the wider interests of society. In the context of the natural heritage it is important to distinguish between impacts and damage. Impacts can be measured, and taken collectively can be evaluated against the natural heritage importance of the features being impacted, in order to assess whether damage is occurring. Damage involves a judgement, based on clear scientific evidence, that the impacts are causing a detrimental change in a particular location. Damage to the natural heritage arises when natural and semi-natural habitats are prevented from regenerating to sustain their ground cover and the diversity of plant species; or where local populations of important species (animal or plant) are in decline; or where important earth science features are being eroded by deer. Damage is more likely to be considered serious by the DCS when a nationally or internationally important feature is being changed, or is likely to be affected. For further information contact: Alastair MacGugan, DCS Communications Officer on 01463 258912, mobile 07717 355 712 or email Alastair.macgugan@dcs.gov.uk
