action plan · basc, environment link, fes and fcs. the figures below summarise progress: figure 1:...

Scotland’s Wild Deer A National Approach

Action Plan

2016 Actions & Report on 2015 Actions

Scotland’s Wild Deer: A National Approach (WDNA)

CONTENTS

Scotland’s Wild Deer: A National Approach ........................................................................ 3

WDNA Action Plan Priorities ................................................................................................. 3

What is the Purpose of the WDNA Action Plans? ................................................................. 3

Key Achievements in 2015 ..................................................................................................... 4

Summary of Action Progress in 2015 ................................................................................... 4

Key Highlights in 2016 ........................................................................................................... 4

DELIVERING THE PRIORITIES .............................................................................................. 7

Collaboration & Effective Deer Management Planning & Implementation ............................ 7

Healthy Ecosystems ............................................................................................................. 8

Lowland & Urban Deer ....................................................................................................... 10

Economic & Community Development ............................................................................... 11

Training & Wild Deer Welfare ............................................................................................. 14

Focusing Ahead to 2017-2018 .............................................................................................. 16

Annex 1: Monitoring and Reporting ..................................................................................... 17

Annex 2: List of Action Leaders and Contributors .............................................................. 18

Annex 3: Structure of WDNA ................................................................................................ 19

Annex 4: 2015 Actions and their end of year status…………………………………………………………20


for our deer, land and people - 3 -

Scotland’s Wild Deer: A National Approach Scotland’s Deer: A National Approach (WDNA) was published in 2008 and revised in 2015. WDNA includes a set of challenges for 2015 -2020. These were identified by a wide range of organisations and form the bedrock of this Action Plan. We are now into the second year of meeting the 2015-2020 challenges. This Action Plan shows how a range of organisations will contribute to these challenges in 2016. WDNA continues to set out common goals including sustaining jobs, providing opportunities for people to see deer, promoting venison and protecting vulnerable habitats including woodlands. A common vision makes it easier to achieve agreement on our shared aspirations and provides a backdrop for constructive negotiation.

WDNA Action Plan Priorities

This Action Plan shows how a range of organisations will continue to meet the WDNA 2015-2020 challenges and deliver the priorities. The priorities are organised under the following headings:

Collaboration & Effective Deer Management Planning and Implementation

Healthy Ecosystems

Lowland & Urban Deer

Economic & Community Development

Training & Wild Deer Welfare

Further details on specific actions and their lead organisations are included in the ‘Delivering Priorities’ section.

What is the Purpose of the WDNA Action Plans?

This Action Plan is the sixth in a series of annual plans covering rolling 3 year periods. Each plan:

Promotes activity across the deer sector;

Lists actions from a wide range of private, public and community sectors and NGOs that contribute to the delivery of WDNA for the current year;

Looks forward to ideas for actions in the following 2 years;

Captures key ongoing organisational activities which contribute to the delivery of WDNA.



Summary of Action Progress in 2015

In 2015 120 activities were carried out by 20 organisations/groups, including ADMG, SNH, BASC, Environment Link, FES and FCS. The figures below summarise progress:

Figure 1: Number & status of new activities delivered in 2015

Figure 2: Progress against WDNA Priorities

55

9

4

Achieved

Carried forward

Deferred / NotAchieved

0 5 10 15 20 25

Collaborative and Effective DeerManagement Planning and

Implementation

Healthy Ecosystems

Economic and CommunityDevelopment

Lowland and Urban Deer

Training and Wild Deer Welfare

Achieved

Carried forward

Deferred / NotAchieved



Details of Delivery in 2015

Below is a summary of progress. A full breakdown is provided in Annex 4. KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

DMG Deer Management Planning Forty-four DMGs participated in the DMG self-assessment. The information from this will inform the review on whether there has been a ‘step change in the delivery of effective deer management’ as requested by the Rural Affairs Climate Change and Environment Committee (RACCE) and the Minister. SNH have administered grants for the development of these plans and, together with ADMG, have provided additional support.

Protected Sites for Nature Conservation Management actions for 64 designated features, which could potentially be impacted by deer, were put in place. Eight Section 7 Voluntary Control Agreements were continued to protect designated features from the grazing, browsing and trampling impacts of deer.

Launch of the Collaborative Action Fund - providing support for Collaborative Deer Management Plans The Environmental Collaborative Action Fund was launched in September 2015. It is designed to support applications for collaborative deer management planning at the landscape scale. It applies to the uplands and the lowlands and 4 applications were submitted in the first application round.

Promotion of Venison as part of Celebrating Scotland’s Year of Food & Drink 2015 was the Year of Food & Drink in Scotland. Many activities and events featured venison, including Scone and Moy Game Fairs, the Royal Highland Show, Kenyan Connections (a cultural exchange between Kenya and Scotland which included a focus on wildlife management) and the Gaelic National Mod in Oban. These events involved a range of organisations and many were co-ordinated by Scotland’s Natural Larder.

Urban deer photo competition A competition was held on photos of deer in urban settings. A gallery was created from the entries. These photos help to show the diversity of urban settings in which deer can be seen, from gardens, to densely built-up areas. They clearly demonstrate that deer can be seen from our doorsteps in towns and cities.

CARRIED FORWARD

Wild Deer Best Practice Guides

The new guides on welfare principles and assessing economic damage have not been

published. This was largely due to resource constraints. These actions have been carried

forward into 2016.

DEFERRED Deer density & deer damage impacts surveys

This action was deferred due to financial restraints.



Key Highlights in 2016 In 2016 95 actions will be delivered by 20 organisations. Key highlights are set out below, with further details under ‘Delivering the Priorities’.

Review of Joint Agency Fencing Guidelines The Joint Agency statement & guidance on deer fencing was adopted in 2004 and is now due for review. The review will be undertaken by SNH, FCS and SGRPID. It will reflect key changes that have occurred over the last ten years, including the publications of WDNA, the Deer Code, the Scottish Forest Strategy, 2020 Biodiversity Route Map, the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, and the Climate Change (Scotland) Act. The revised policy and guidelines will aim to establish a more effective strategic approach to the use of deer fencing.

Carry out Deer Management Group Re-assessment The early part of 2016 will see a concerted effort amongst DMGs to finalise, agree and begin implementing Deer Management Plans. During spring/early summer DMGs will undertake a re-assessment of their operational effectiveness and delivery of a range of public interests. This re-assessment will be conducted by SNH, DMG Chairs and Secretaries and ADMG Regional representatives. Collectively, these DMG assessments will provide the foundations of an SNH report to the Minister which considers the degree of progress made in effective and environmentally responsible deer management planning since the 2014 assessment.

Understand delivery of the public interest in the lowlands

It is acknowledged that assessing the public interest delivered by deer managers in the

lowlands is difficult. The scale and scope of deer management planning processes used

by practitioners varies considerably. A pilot area, including different management

planning approaches, will be used to better understand how the Deer Code is applied in

the lowlands.

Publish a report on wild deer research to support delivery of the WDNA 2015-2020 challenges A report will be published setting out relevant deer research and identifying the gaps in meeting the WDNA 2015-2020 challenges. It will include the results of a literature review and input from a broad range of stakeholders through focused workshops. An easily accessed deer research web resource will be established and a seminar will be held to disseminate the results of the report.



DELIVERING THE PRIORITIES

1. Collaboration & Effective Deer Management Planning & Implementation

Wild deer are not confined by human boundaries and as a result often need to be managed collaboratively. Groups (e.g. Deer Management Groups), networks (e.g. Lowland Deer Network) and other deer partnerships and fora play a core role in enabling and supporting this collaboration.

A review of deer management by the Scottish Parliament Rural Affairs Climate Change and Environment Committee in 2013/14 reinforced the need for collaboration and effective deer management planning and implementation. Deer Management Groups (DMGs) were tasked with demonstrating a ‘step change in the delivery of effective deer management’ through the development and implementation of Deer Management Plans. The actions below show how this challenge will be addressed in 2016.

What will be done in 2016? Build on work to develop conflict management tools

1.1 Continue to encourage Deer Management Groups to adopt the

principles of collaboration as part of their constitution SNH/ADMG

1.2 Provide mediation where needed to ensure all interests are represented in DMG Deer Management Plans

ADMG

Ensure robust deer management planning and implementation 1.3 Hold a workshop for DMGs on implementing Deer Management

Plans 1.4 Revise the Joint Agency Fencing Guidelines 1.5 Complete the DMG re-assessment of delivery of Public Interests 1.6 Provide staff support to assist DMGs with developing and

delivering Deer Management Plans which incorporate the Public Interests

ADMG FCS/SNH/SGIRPID SNH/ADMG SNH

Raise awareness of the need for effective deer management

1.7 Deliver 10 activity sessions for school pupils during a RHET event such as 'Food & Farming' & 'Countryside Day' Activity Days, with a focus on deer management and venison production

1.8 Hold an open day for local Council Rangers on deer and their management at Glen Strathfarrar

BASC/RHET/ SNH

ADMG

1.9 Raise awareness of deer and their sustainable management at Scone & Moy Game Fairs, the Royal Highland Show and other events

1.10 Place articles in trade press e.g. SCOPE, Shooting & Conservation, Gamewise, DEER and others.

FCS/ADMG/ BASC/BDS/

SNH/ADMG/BASC/GWCT/BDS



2. Healthy Ecosystems

Deer are a keystone species and an integral part of the biodiversity of Scotland. However, they can also have a detrimental impact on ecosystems and biodiversity. WDNA is based around managing deer as part of an ecosystem.

Meeting the 2020 Biodiversity Challenge will rely on achieving the appropriate levels of grazing to enhance the role of deer within ecosystems and reduce their negative impacts across habitats and ecosystems.

The Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 provides a focus for action including the need to reduce emissions in Scotland by 80% by 2050. Grazing, trampling and browsing of wild deer can have positive and negative consequences for the vegetation cover, depending on the level of impact. These impacts need to be kept in balance if woodland and forest cover are to be increased and peatland protected.

Establish a shared, trusted and high quality knowledge base associated with wild deer

1.11 Scope and explore the future potential for the SWARD database as a tool for DMGs to manage habitat monitoring data’

1.12 Publish a report on wild deer research to support delivery of the WDNA 2015-2020 challenges

1.13 Complete a GIS-based deer management layer map for the 10 Forest Districts to aid analysis and decision-making processes

1.14 Tender and award a new 3 year contract to continue Nearest Neighbour Damage Assessment and Effective Deer Utilisation survey work and data collection to inform deer management activities

1.15 Continue to use the Deer Management Round Table to build knowledge and collective understanding

1.16 Promote the Cairngorms Deer Advisory Group to build knowledge and collective understanding in the Cairngorms National Park

ADMG/SNH SNH/FCS/SG FES FES SNH CNPA

Promote and implement the Deer Code 1.17 Continue to encourage DMGs to use their DMG self-assessment to

ensure full representation of the Deer Code in their DMPs 1.18 Circulate a letter to Local Authorities explaining their responsibilities

as part of the Deer Code and request they respond with details on how they are following the Code

1.19 Monitor compliance with the Deer Code 1.20 Review options to support Wild Deer Best Practice Guides 1.21 Implement the Deer Code through day to day deer management

activities across publicly owned land

ADMG SNH SNH WDBP SG SNH/FES/FCS



What will be done in 2016? Contribute to the 2020 Challenge for Scotland’s Biodiversity 2.1 Support DMGs in setting out how they may contribute to native

woodland targets in their Deer Management Plans 2.2 Facilitate cross-DMG collaborative deer management approach to

ingress of deer onto proposed woodland regeneration scheme and designated site

ADMG CNPA

2.3 Implement the Invasive Non-Native Species Code as and when necessary and monitor and act upon any reported sightings of Muntjac

2.4 Support DMGs to carry out Habitat Impact Assessments and use this data to revise and develop their DMPs

2.5 Manage deer densities on the NFE to reduce unacceptable deer damage impacts to native woodland

2.6 Identify where deer management can contribute to increasing habitat connectivity through FES Land Management Planning processes

2.7 Continue to cull Sika deer on the NFE to minimise further spread 2.8 Publish and distribute new Wild Deer Best Practice Guides on

grassland covering tussock and smooth grassland

SNH/FES ADMG FES FES FES WDBP Steering

Group

Carry out work to mitigate against, reduce and adapt to the effects of Climate Change

2.9 Encourage DMGs to consider opportunities for woodland expansion in their areas and incorporate into their DMPs

2.10 Encourage DMGs to carry out HIA on peatland habitats 2.11 Support the Highland Perthshire Community Land Trust in creating

new woodland

ADMG SNH/ADMG JMT

2.12 Continue to focus effective deer management on woodland creation sites across the National Forest Estate (NFE)

2.13 Manage deer across the NFE to low densities appropriate to the protection of peatlands, the delivery of woodland restructuring and restocking objectives and the establishment and protection of riparian woodland

FES/FCS FES

Co Contribute to achieving Favourable Condition Status for designated features

2.14 Continue the Delivering Favourable Condition Project 2.15 Carry out a deer census programme to support collaborative deer

management 2.16 Ensure that DMG DMPs address the need for maintaining deer

populations that ensure that designated features are in favourable or recovering condition

2.17 Carry out deer management to contribute to achieving Favourable Condition

2.18 Finalise mechanisms for delivery of Action plan to improve woodland condition in accordance with 2020 route map

SNH/FCS/SG SNH ADMG Environment Link/ JMT FCS



3. Lowland & Urban Deer

Increasingly, deer are moving into areas in and around towns. This inevitably brings more people into contact with deer and presents both challenges and opportunities. Challenges include managing deer vehicle collisions and reducing the damage that can be done to urban woodlands, gardens and green spaces. The opportunities include people being able to see and learn more about deer from direct experience.

Approaches to deer management in and around towns need to vary from those in the uplands as there are fundamental differences in the patterns of landownership. There are also differences in species with roe deer tending to be the most common species in and around towns.

What will be done in 2016? Improve understanding of deer population dynamics 3.1 Carry out a mapping exercise to identify and locate Local Authority

areas with high deer impacts 3.2 Use culling data, deer density and deer damage impact survey

methodologies, plus technology such as thermal imaging, to better understand the population dynamics of lowland deer on the NFE, including the effect of the ongoing woodland creation programme

SNH FES/SNH

Develop a range of options for lowland and urban deer management

planning

3.3 Undertake pilot study to better understand what measure can be used to assess the delivery of public interests.

3.4 Explore opportunities for creating shared larder facilities for Deer Groups in the central belt to facilitate more roe venison going into the food chain

SNH/FCS/ LDNS SVP/LDNS

Co-ordinate, make available and use current data on lowland and urban deer

3.5 Share information and work with partner organisations to improve the co-ordination of data sets to facilitate analysis and gain a better understanding of deer impacts and protection requirements

FES

Understand public perception of urban and lowland deer 3.6 Promote the ‘Deer on your Doorstep’ project to provide information to

the public on deer and their management in urban settings 3.7 Raise awareness of wild deer interactions in the low ground

LDNS FES



4. Economic & Community Development

Attempts are being made to put an economic value on Scotland’s wildlife and ecosystems. This increases our understanding of the interrelationship between our natural resources, environment and economy.

Wild deer management in Scotland was estimated in 2005 to be worth over £100 million annually to the economy, with more than 2,500 full time equivalent jobs supported, many in remote and fragile communities. There are opportunities to add value to deer-related products and activities, and to broaden the economic benefits associated. The economic costs associated with wild deer can be significant, for instance road collisions with deer are estimated to cost £9.4million a year1. Other costs include to agriculture and to forestry. The costs and benefits of deer need to be managed effectively to maximise the contribution deer make to sustainable economic growth.

What will be done in 2016? Encourage diverse economic opportunities 4.1 Submit application for Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status

for Scottish wild venison to the Scottish Government 4.2 Pilot a Red Stag and a pilot Roe Buck, Deer Management Permission

‘business opportunity’ to develop the suite of Deer Management Permissions

4.3 Deliver a programme of events and promotion centred around Eat Scottish Venison Day

4.4 Provide venison from National Nature Reserves and National Parks for local events and sales

4.5 Promote Scottish Venison Partnership recipes via Scottish Countryside Sports Tourism Group newsletter

4.6 Enhance quality assurance processes with venison production

SVP FES

SVP SNH SCSTG SVP

4.7 Continue to provide opportunity for stakeholders, including communities, to engage with deer management planning

FES/ADMG

4.8 Continue to prepare and supply Scottish Quality Wild Venison assured carcasses to the venison industry and for local sales from direct deer management activities

4.9 Manage recreational stalking opportunities to help deliver environmental, biodiversity and business objectives and assess the potential for stag shooting Permissions on the NFE in the Red deer range

4.10 Promote stalking opportunities via website and social media channels

FES FES SCSTG

1 ‘Scoping the economic benefits and costs of wild deer and their management in Scotland’ Putman R, 2012,

P16



Understand the costs and benefits of deer management

4.11 Publish the results of the Public and Corporate Economic Consultants (PACEC) survey on the contribution of the Deer Industry to the Scottish Economy

4.12 Develop a WDBP Guide on principles of economic damage associated with local deer management

4.13 Work via FES Land Management Planning processes to better understand how ecosystem services, such as timber production, carbon storage, clean water and wild food, and related benefits are delivered through effective and environmentally responsible deer management

ADMG WDBP SG FES

Build on work to address deer vehicle collisions and human disease risks 4.14 Promote awareness of chronic wasting disease 4.15 Ensure Deer Managers are aware of notifiable diseases

4.16 Make collated DVC records available on Natural Spaces website for

other agencies to access 4.17 Promote reporting of DVCs by DMGs through inclusion of data

collection within revised Deer Management Plans 4.18 Ensure each of the four trunk road operating companies prepare a Deer

Management Plan related to their area of operation 4.19 Undertake DVC data analysis at Local Authority scale

ADMG/BDS ADMG/BDS/BASC SNH SNH Transport Scotland SNH

4.20 Raise awareness of roads safety issues amongst professional and recreational cullers, and manage wild deer on the NFE to low densities, in order to help reduce the risk of DVCs locally

4.21 Continue to raise awareness amongst staff and deer cullers of deer-related human disease risks such as Lyme disease from ticks

4.22 Collate DVC records from main data sources of Road operating companies, SSPCA records and Human injury records

4.23 Facilitate the annual Spring and Autumn Deer Campaign to help raise awareness amongst road users of the likelihood of deer movements in and around the network during the Spring period

FES FES/BDS/BASC Transport Scotland/ SNH Transport Scotland/ SNH



Develop appreciation and understanding between access and deer management

4.24 Continue to offer all estates within CNP signage explaining the need for deer management and responsible access

4.25 Continue to facilitate open and responsible access on the NFE whilst deer culling is underway by taking a risk-managed approach and by raising awareness amongst cullers and users of the NFE

4.26 Raise awareness of wild deer interactions in urban woodlands through education events

4.27 Promote Scottish Outdoor Access Code advice relating to stalking to members and to the general public via the website linking to the HFSH/Hill phones when the scheme is launched each summer

4.28 Support responsible access and responsible land management by operating the Heading for the Scottish Hills web service

4.29 Liaise over issues relating to access and stalking through the National Access Forum

4.30 Take opportunities to publicise and promote the rights and responsibilities of the public with regard to walking during the stalking season

4.31 Encourage DMG members to participate and contribute to the Heading for the Scottish Hills Website

4.32 Include prominent Deer Stalking panel, linking to Deer Stalking page on front page of MCoS website

CNPA FES FES/FCS Ramblers Scotland SNH Ramblers Scotland/ ADMG Ramblers Scotland ADMG MCoS

Improve understanding of deer impacts on agriculture and forestry 4.33 Through the annual business planning process, assess and adjust

capacity to manage deer impacts effectively across the NFE through competent and cost-effective deer management and procurement actions

FES



5. Training & Wild Deer Welfare

The provision and uptake of training is central to establishing a strong skill base in the deer sector. This helps to ensure deer management is carried out effectively with knowledge and best practice underpinning all actions and decisions. We need to ensure there continue to be plenty of opportunities to develop further employment, skills and knowledge in the sector to build capacity. We need to ensure that the current diversity of events and training courses continue and are expanded.

Wild deer welfare underpins WDNA. Existing work will be built on to increase understanding of practical deer welfare.

What will be done in 2016? Ensure a strong skill base in deer management

5.1 Roll-out new Wildlife Management System, providing training for the Wildlife Management team and enhanced technology for FES deer larders 5.2 Work to influence the Skills Action Plan for Scotland’s Forest and Timber Technologies industries, including curriculum developments, talent attraction, support for new entrants and supporting workforce development

FES Lantra

5.3 Hold a talk for MSc (participation in policy and planning) students at Edinburgh University on deer and their management 5.4 Hold a WDBP Demonstration Day for colleges 5.5 Hold 2 Open Range Days and Run DSC1 courses 5.6 Facilitate and subsidise DSC1 and DSC2 training opportunities for all those employed or residing in CNP 5.7 Run advanced deer management course

5.8 Continue to insist on DSC1 & 2 for deer cullers operating on the NFE 5.9 Provide update/refresher training for Wildlife Management staff and encourage contractors and recreational stalkers to participate in CPD

5.10 Through deer management permissions provide opportunity for stalkers with DSC1 to develop their skills and knowledge to contribute towards their DSC2

5.11 Promote Scotland’s land-based and environmental conservation industries as a positive career choice, and help celebrate the achievements of learners and new entrants

ADMG SNH BASC/BDS CNPA

BDS FES FES

FES Lantra



Understand, promote and deliver wild deer welfare

5.12 Update the WDBP Guide on Wild Deer Welfare principles and

develop a WDBP Guide on assessing welfare 5.13 Review the impact of training on the welfare of wild deer

WDBP Steering Group

SNH 5.14 Continue promoting and implementing deer welfare as a

fundamental principle of wild deer management activities 5.15 Work with Police Scotland regarding wildlife crime on the NFE

relating to deer, such as poaching and anti-social behaviour

FES FES



Focusing Ahead to 2017-2018 Focusing ahead is important. It allows everyone to influence future plans and actions. To do

this each Action Plan includes a set of outline actions. These are ideas for actions which will be developed into specific actions in future WDNA Action Plans.

Collaboration & Effective Deer Management Planning & Implementation

Promote the Deer Education Zone

Set up a national network of sentinel sites to monitor deer populations in relation to drivers of change

Estimate how the public interest (in terms of delivery of ecosystem, services) is affected positively or negatively relative to the current ownership pattern in the uplands

Develop a study to capture the attitudes and beliefs of different sections of the public. Healthy Ecosystems

Develop, publish and promote guidance on how to reduce the carbon footprint of deer management

Develop understanding of the capacity of DMGs to increase woodland

Continue with further phases of peatland restoration projects and initiate new ones

Link the land cover and ecosystem service mapping tool developed with the Aberdeenshire regional Land use pilot with DeerMAP

Investigate methods to re-vegetate peatland under different grazing regimes in order to determine the best strategy for improving the condition of peatlands

Review the various methods used to assess site condition and grazing impact and explore how appropriate they are for developing a national picture of grazing impact and their ability to distinguish between the effects of different herbivores

Collate existing data on grazing impacts with a view to producing a national picture of grazing impact which will help identify gaps

Produce a report on the relative impact of deer grazing with and without sheep. Economic & Community Development

Use data from the DMG assessment to help identify the number of FTE in deer related jobs

Carry out an assessment of the impact of different deer management approaches on local jobs and the rural community

During 2015/16 establish the number of FTE jobs associated with managing wild deer on the NFE

Build on research carried out on extensive range management of deer for the production of venison

Carry out research to explore the extent to which public access affects deer distribution

Develop a practical management tool to quantify the impacts of deer management activities on neighbouring interests and the public interest and identify where these economic impacts are difficult to determine at a local level.

Training & Wild Deer Welfare

Publish research briefs on the deer health and welfare project



Annex 1: Monitoring and Reporting

WDNA will be monitored and reported in two ways:

Annual Action Reporting

Annual reports will set out progress against annual actions. These will provide an insight

into the depth and breadth of actions which have been delivered across the deer sector and

beyond. Each action contributes to a specific priority or in some cases multiple priorities. A

summary of key achievements for the preceding year will be included in each WDNA Action

Plan.

Monitoring the Impacts

A set of revised indictors have been included in the 2014 WDNA. An initial report, covering

the period 2008 – 2013, is available on the SNH website. These indicators reflect trends in

the state of the environment, economy and society as they relate to wild deer. They will

continue to be refined and developed.

Biannual reports on the indicators will be produced. Together with data and analysis from

wider monitoring of ecosystems and social and economic benefits, these will help build a

picture of trends and progress.



Annex 2: List of Action Leaders and Contributors for this Action Plan (check)

Association of Deer Management Groups (ADMG) British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC)

British Deer Society (BDS)

Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA)

Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) Forest Enterprise Scotland (FES) Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT)

John Muir Trust (JMT)

Lantra

Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority (LL&TNP) Lowland Deer Network Scotland (LDNS) Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCoS)

National Access Forum

Ramblers Scotland Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET)

Scottish Country Sports and Tourism Group (SCSTG) Scottish Environment Link (Link)

Scottish Government (SG)

Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH)

Transport Scotland

Scottish Venison Partnership (SVP)

University of the Highlands & Islands (UHI) Wild Deer Best Practice Steering Group (WDBPSG)

Wild Scotland



Annex 3: Structure of WDNA

Vision By 2030: 1. There will be widespread understanding and achievement of sustainable deer

management so as to contribute to:

A high quality, robust and adaptable environment.

Sustainable economic development

Social well-being 2. Wild deer will be managed in an inclusive way with knowledge used to

underpin all decisions

Principles Wild deer should be managed throughout their range in a way that – 1. integrates deer management and other land-use objectives 2. uses collaboration to achieve the management objectives 3. uses a geographical scale and timescale best suited to achieving the

management objectives 4. engages and communicates with all relevant interests 5. uses sound science and the best available evidence 6. promotes deer welfare

Outcomes Management of all species of wild deer will contribute to:

A high quality, robust & adaptable environment

Sustainable economic development

Social well-being

Objectives a) Contribute to healthy ecosystems and conserve and enhance biodiversity in the wider countryside

b) Secure the favourable condition status of Scotland’s sites designated for nature

c) Help tackle and adapt to the effects of climate change.

d) Minimise further spread of non-native deer species in Scotland.

e) Safeguard the welfare of all species of wild deer.

f) Conserve and enhance the cultural and historic environment and the distinct identity, diverse character and special qualities of Scotland’s landscapes

a) Increase the economic opportunities associated with wild deer.

b) Minimise economic costs attributable to wild deer.

c) Provide the skills and knowledge required to manage deer as an integral part of Scotland’s natural resources.

d) Contribute to the social and economic development of communities.

a) Contribute to a safe and healthy environment for people.

b) Increase participation in management and enjoyment of wild deer.

c) Manage the impacts of wild deer in and around communities.

d) Promote venison as a healthy food.

Contributing to all objectives a) Establish a shared, trusted and high quality

knowledge base associated with wild deer to support local action

b) Develop effective frameworks for sustainable deer management

c) Raise awareness and understanding of wild deer and their management



Annex 4: 2015 Actions and their end of year status

Achieved: A time bound project or activity has been achieved or a specific stage in an activity has

been achieved.

Carried Over: An activity which has not been achieved within the timescale but will be continued

into the following year.

Deferred: Where an action has been postponed, the intention is still there to do it but not within

the next year.

Not achieved: Where an action has not been achieved and there are no immediate plans to carry it

out.

Collaborative and Effective Deer Management Planning and Implementation

Achieved Comments

Apply the ADMG ‘Principles of Collaboration’

Adopted in most new deer management plans and used in practice during deer management planning process.

Publish principles on conflict management

Encourage DMGs to have their own

websites

ADMG has developed a template website for use by DMGs, presented to DMG office bearers at seminar in November. Now being taken up by DMGs and will progress through 2017.

DMG workshop on transparency and communication

Seminars held in Birnam on 17th June and 25th November.

Manage grants to DMGs to produce and update Deer Management Plans

Complete DMG self-assessment

Input to the Deer Management proposals for Land Reform Bill

Ensure Deer Management Groups in the Cairngorms National Park collaborate on

their plans to ensure cross boundary management issues are addressed

Maintain the ADMG website to ensure it provides easily accessible information and contact details on deer and their management

ADMG website now acts as a portal to individual

DMG websites. It is increasingly used for deer sector

information purposes.

Encourage DMGs to use their DMG self-assessment to ensure full representation of the Deer Code in their DMPs

2014 Baseline Assessment used to inform deer management planning process. 2016 Assessments will measure progress over preceding 18 months as a basis for report to RACCE Review Autumn 2016.

Develop a methodology to monitor compliance with the Deer Code

Deliver activity sessions for school children

Hold an open day for Council Rangers



Publish Red Deer Research on the Isle of Rum

Booklet’s publication launched at a seminar.

Not achieved

Run Guided Deer Walks

Carried Forward

Develop and trial a data management tool to help collate and interpret data on deer population dynamics and habitat impacts for use by deer managers

Ongoing Activities

Provide mediation where needed

Promote collaboration in the Cairngorms NP between DMGs

Support delivery of Deer Management plans

Encourage DMGs to assimilate the Deer Code in Deer Management Plans

Encourage DMGs in National Parks to integrate the Deer Code in plans

Implementation of the Deer Code

Raise awareness of deer management at Fairs

Place articles in media

Work with the Deer Management Round Table

Promote the Cairngorms Deer Advisory Group

Healthy Ecosystems

Achieved Comments

Support DMGs in setting out how they may contribute to native woodland targets in their Deer Management Plans

Restructure conifer plantations on relevant sites to enhance native woodland

Promote woodland expansion in target areas within the Cairngorms National Park

Encourage DMGs to consider opportunities for woodland expansion in their areas and incorporate into their DMPs

Incorporated into deer management planning process.

Encourage DMGs to carry out Habitat Impact Assessments on peatland habitats

Promote peatland restoration as an integral part of DMPs currently under development within CNP

Support the Highland Perthshire Community Land Trust in creating new woodland

Deferred

Further develop deer density and deer

damage impacts survey and monitoring

mechanisms to enhance landscape-scale

management of deer across the NFE.

This project has been deferred due to financial constraints.

Carry Forward

Publish Grassland Best Practice Guides



Ongoing Activities

Implement the Invasive Non Native Species Code

Support adoption of Habitat Impact Assessments in Planning

Reduce unacceptable deer impacts to native woodland

Increase habitat connectivity through deer management

Continue the Sika cull to minimise further spread

Effective deer management on new woodland sites in the NFE

Deer management in the NFE

Continue delivery on the Favourable condition project

Carry out a programme of Habitat Impact Assessments

Carry out a deer census programme

Effective Deer Management Planning

Ensure favourable condition of features in designated sites

Review of Section 7 Agreements

Lowland and Urban Deer

Achieved Comments

Carry out a mapping exercise to identify and locate local authority areas with high deer impacts

Use culling data, deer density and deer damage impact survey methodologies, plus technology such as thermal imaging, to better understand the population dynamics of lowland deer on the NFE.

FES uses culling data from its Wildlife Management System, survey data, on-site observation and thermal imaging technology to increase its knowledge of deer populations in lowland areas.

Deliver a schedule of training events for practitioners primarily aimed at DSC 1

Support and encourage the establishment of further Lowland Deer Groups (LDGs)

Consider how deer management planning can be developed for LDGs

Use data from the trial on data collection to help inform the role of deer on expansion of woodland in the longer term

Improve the co-ordination of data sets to facilitate analysis and gain a better understanding of deer impacts and protection requirements

FES is developing GIS-based deer management maps to aid its analysis and decision-making processes. FES is also developing an updated Wildlife Management System which it uses to record the detail of its culling. This information is shared to others.

Run the SNH urban deer photo competition to help promote the benefits of urban deer

Created a gallery of 17 pictures which all show deer in an urban context. The pictures are all A2 in size and credit the photographer.

Trial the ‘Deer on your Doorstep’ project to provide information to the public on

deer and their management in urban settings

Raise awareness of wild deer interactions in the low ground

FES has shared knowledge, experience and information gained through the sustainable management of deer on the lowland areas of the NFE.



Economic and Community Development

Achieved Comments

Commence application process for Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status for Scottish wild venison

The application has been drafted and will be submitted to Scottish Government for launch early summer.

Provide venison from National Nature Reserves and National Parks for local events and local sales

Build a programme of events and promotion centred around Eat Scottish Venison Day

Delivered for 2015. Similar programme to be delivered for 2016.

Ensure venison is available and promoted at high profile Scottish tourism events as part of Scotland’s Year of Food & Drink

Hold five Deer Farm & Park Demonstration Days

The deer farm and park demonstration day project has now almost concluded. 10 demonstration days were delivered over 2 years.

Publish ‘Country Sports Tourism Intelligence Scotland Guide’ to promote deer

Promote Scottish Venison Partnership recipes via Scottish Countryside Sports Tourism Group newsletter

Assess the economic implications of proposed measures in the Land Reform Bill

Work via FES Land Management Planning processes to better understand how ecosystem services are delivered through effective and environmentally responsible deer management

We identify areas on the Estate where high deer densities can negatively affect the delivery of ecosystem services. For instance the bark-stripping of productive timber and the browsing of young planted. We supply the Scottish venison industry with around 28,500 SQWV carcasses per year.

Promote awareness of chronic wasting disease

Article in Scope and work with other organisations on publicity. One of the Public Interest Actions currently being addressed in Deer Management Plans.

Ensure Deer Managers are aware of notifiable diseases

Ensure each of the four trunk road operating companies prepare a Deer Management Plan related to their area of operation

Make collated DVC records available on Natural Spaces website for other agencies to access

Promote reporting of DVCs by DMGs through inclusion of data collection within revised Deer Management Plans

Develop an increased understanding of the interactions of deer on other land uses, on and adjacent to the NFE

As the nature of land management activities on the NFE diversifies, evolves and changes through; restructuring of the forests, renewable projects, enhancing climate change and tree disease resilience, afforestation, urban forestry, creation of habitat networks, starter farms, increased recreational use and water catchment we are increasing our understanding of the interactions of deer on other land uses.



Not Achieved

Construct a business model and continue to seek a candidate site for an exemplar deer park on the NFE

FES worked with Venison Advisory Services Ltd and the Scottish Venison Partnership during 2015 to compile a business model for a deer park on the NFE. The search for a suitable candidate site on which to take forward this project is ongoing.

Ongoing Actions Open engagement with deer management planning

Supply of assured carcasses to the venison industry

Recreational stalking for ecosystems and economic benefits

Promotion of stalking opportunities

Undertake DVC analysis at Local Authority scale and supply data to Local Authorities

Reduction of risk of DVCs locally

Raise awareness of deer related disease risks

Collation of DVC records

Spring Deer DVC Risk campaign

Signage for responsible access and deer management

Responsible access and deer management on the NFE

Education events for urban and woodland deer

Promote the Hill Phones and SOAC

Management of the Heading for the Scottish Hills website

Work with the National Access Forum

Publicise rights and responsible access

DMG contribution to Heading for the Scottish Hills website

Deer Stalking panel for MCofS website

Training and Wild Deer Welfare Achieved Comments

Give talks to HND Countryside Management students on deer management

Refresh the SVQ for Environment Conservation and Animal Care

Develop Modern Apprenticeship in Rural Skills

Support and promote the development of a deer welfare approach based on the animal’s ability to adapt to changes in its environment

Review the impact of training on the welfare of wild deer

Ongoing Activities Hold a talk for MSc (participation in policy and planning) students at Edinburgh University on

deer and their management

WDBP Demonstration Event for Colleges

Open Range days and DSC L1 courses

Run advanced deer management course

Facilitate and subsidise DSC1 and 2 training opportunities

Requirement for DSC2 on the NFE

Refresher training for Staff and encourage uptake of CPD externals

Use FES permissions to contribute to DSC2 evidence



Promotion of Land based and environment as positive career choice

Promotion of DSCs

Support development of welfare based on ability to adapt to environment

Promotion of welfare as fundamental to deer management

Work and co-operate to address wildlife crime

action plan · basc, environment link, fes and fcs. the figures below summarise progress: figure 1:...

Documents