The Scottish Wildlife Trust backs the Rural Affairs Committee’s recommendations for managing deer in Scotland.
The Trust agrees that progress has been too slow and is pleased that the committee has called for a deadline for all deer management groups to get their act together by 2016.
The Committee took evidence on deer and their impacts on biodiversity from witnesses including the Scottish Wildlife Trust. In some parts of Scotland, there are too many deer which has put pressure on internationally important habitats, such as Atlantic oak woodlands, many of which are still in decline because of the damage done by overgrazing.
Head of Policy for Scottish Wildlife Trust, Dr Maggie Keegan, said: “The Scottish Wildlife Trust is pleased that the Rural Affairs Committee has heeded the advice from environmental organisations like ourselves who think that in some areas of Scotland not enough is being done to manage deer in a sustainable way.
“Sustainable deer management means striking the right balance between the public and private interest to ensure that the best outcome is achieved to support the rural economy and allow for protection of the environment.
“It is a difficult task at the best of times and is impossible if there is no deer management plan in place.
“There is no doubt that in some areas deer are out of balance with nature; indeed, the new native woodland survey pointed the finger at red deer as having the greatest impact on ancient and native woodland.
“So with this is mind, the Trust hopes the Scottish Government takes on board all the committee’s findings including supporting the 2016 deadline.”