Scotland's Wild Deer: A National Approach Action Plan for 2018/'19 - for our deer, land and people
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Scotland’s Wild Deer:
A National Approach
Action Plan
for 2018/’19
for our deer, land and people
Scotland’s Wild Deer: A National Approach (WDNA)
FOREWORD
Welcome to the 8th Action Plan for Scotland’s Wild Deer: A
National Approach (WDNA). WDNA is a collectively agreed,
national vision for deer management. It aims to encourage
private land owners and public bodies to work together
across Scotland to balance the needs of the environment,
local economies and people’s health and well-being.
The Cabinet Secretary set out challenges for the deer sector
to meet by 2019. These have set the context for much of the
work in 2018/’19.
A summary of the main actions included in this Action Plan1
is included below. Further details on all actions are set out in
the following pages.
The Deer Working Group, commissioned by the Cabinet
Secretary, will continue to gather data on a range of legislative, policy and practical
challenges and opportunities associated with deer management to inform their report
and recommendations due in 2019;
Identifying how public interests associated with deer management are delivered in
the lowlands. This work is being carried out through the Lowland Deer Management
Project in recognition that circumstances, practicalities and land ownership demand a
different approach to that in the uplands. The Project’s objectives are to gain a better
understanding of what deer management is taking place, what the impact of deer and
their management is, what data is being gathered and what opportunities there might
be for greater collaboration amongst deer managers;
Compliance with the Deer Code. An audit will be carried out to review the extent of
compliance with the Deer Code. The results will form the basis of a report to be
submitted to parliament in spring 2019;
Deer Management Group Assessment. Building on the SNH 2016 Deer review SNH and
ADMG will continue to work together to refine the metrics for assessing DMG
performance and prepare for the 2019 assessment. This will include a health check of
current delivery of DMGs;
Training in deer management. Training opportunities will be delivered and developed
for deer managers in the uplands and lowlands. This will include sessions delivered on
habitat impact assessments and DCS Level 1 & 2 training courses;
Support the development of a venison strategy. A strategy will be developed by a
range of partners involved to help meet Ambition 2030 (a vision for food and drink to
become Scotland’s most valuable industry).
This Action Plan has been compiled by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), co-ordinated
through the WDNA Steering Group (Forestry Commission Scotland, Forest Enterprise
Scotland, Cairngorms National Park Authority, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park
Authority, Scottish Natural Heritage and Scottish Government) on behalf of all WDNA
contributors (see Annex 2 for full list).
1
Each WDNA Action Plan runs from beginning of April until the end of March the following year.
Scotland’s Wild Deer: A National Approach (WDNA)
CONTENTS
What is Scotland’s Wild Deer: A National Approach? ............................................. 4
What are the WDNA 2015-2020 Challenges? ....................................................... 4
What is the Purpose of the WDNA Action Plans & Reports? ..................................... 4
1. Collaboration & Effective Deer Management Planning & Implementation .............. 5
2. Healthy Ecosystems .............................................................................. 8
3. Lowland & Urban Deer......................................................................... 10
4. Economic & Community Development ...................................................... 12
5. Training & Wild Deer Welfare ................................................................ 14
Annex 1: Monitoring and Reporting ................................................................ 16
Annex 2: List of Action Leaders and Contributors for this Action Plan ..................... 17
Annex 3: Structure of WDNA ........................................................................ 18
for our deer, land and people -3-
Scotland’s Wild Deer: A National Approach (WDNA)
What is Scotland’s Wild Deer: A National Approach?
Scotland’s Wild Deer: A National Approach (WDNA) is a collective vision for sustainable deer
management in Scotland. It was developed and is being delivered by private and public
bodies who share the same ambition that:
‘We manage wild deer to achieve the best combination of benefits for the economy,
environment, people and communities for now and for future generations’
Launched in 2008 and revised in 2015 WDNA includes a set of challenges for 2015 - 2020.
WDNA sets common goals including sustaining jobs, providing opportunities for people to
see deer, promoting venison and protecting vulnerable habitats including woodlands.
This Action Plan identifies how a range of organisations will contribute to these challenges
in 2018 and into 2019.
What are the WDNA 2015-2020 Challenges?
The WDNA challenges are grouped under the following headings:
Collaboration & Effective Deer Management Planning and Implementation
Healthy Ecosystems
Lowland & Urban Deer
Economic & Community Development
Training & Wild Deer Welfare
The challenges were developed in 2014 to guide actions on the ground for 2015-2020. They
were agreed in discussion with a range of contributors who recognised the need to prioritise
areas of work over the five year period to 2020. They highlight action needed across the
public and private sectors.
What is the Purpose of the WDNA Action Plans & Reports?
The purpose of the WDNA Action Plans & Reports, which are published each year, is to:
Promote and encourage activity across the deer sector;
Recognise new ideas and actions from a wide range of private, public and community
sectors and NGOs that contribute to the delivery of WDNA;
Capture core ongoing organisational activities which contribute to the delivery of WDNA;
Enable an assessment of what has and what hasn’t been delivered and why.
for our deer, land and people -4-
Scotland’s Wild Deer: A National Approach (WDNA)
MEETING THE CHALLENGES
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 Scotland) and other
deer partnerships and fora play a core role in enabling and supporting
this collaboration.
Deer Management Groups (DMGs) came under parliamentary scrutiny as part of the 2016
SNH Deer Review. The Review recognised the significant progress the 44 DMGs in Scotland
have made in delivering sustainable deer management. However, the report also concluded
that further work was required. Work in 2018 will focus on supporting DMGs in moving from
planning to implementation of agreed actions in preparation for the DMG assessment due in
2019. Support for new DMGs will also be provided.
The Code of Practice on Deer Management (Deer Code) came into force in January 2012.
Based on WDNA, its purpose is to guide the delivery of sustainable deer management. This
year a review will be carried out on the extent of compliance with the Deer Code. This will
form the basis of a report submitted to parliament in June 2019.
What will be done in 2018?
Build on work to develop conflict management tools
1.1Develop handy bespoke guides on conflict management tools and techniques SNH
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Scotland’s Wild Deer: A National Approach (WDNA)
Ensure robust deer management planning and implementation
1.2 Help set up and support East Lomond & Trossachs DMG LL&TNPA
1.3 Provide support to all DMGs within the National Park, including West Lomond DMG and
Cowal Deer Working Group LL&TNPA
1.4 Identify how to incorporate deer management into Long Term Forest Plans FCS/FES
1.5 Refine and agree the priority criteria and set targets for the DMG 2019 assessment SNH
1.6 Work closely with SNH to develop the detail and supporting guidance for the 2019 DMG
Assessment ADMG
1.7 Set up assessments for the DMG Assessment in 2019 SNH
1.8 Hold 2 training workshops to provide practical advice and support to DMGs on delivering
Deer Management Plans and help prepare for the 2019 Assessments ADMG
1.9 Support DMGs to undertake Health Checks to identify opportunities for further work
and prioritise actions to deliver the Public Interest within individual Deer Management
Plans with particular focus on Designated Sites, Native Woodland & Woodland Expansion,
Peatland Restoration and wider habitats ADMG/SNH
1.10 Provide a more targeted approach to poorly performing groups by working at the local
scale ADMG
1.11 Organise a number of events (DSC1, DSC2 and Deer Management courses) which
emphasise the need to prepare and implement clear and robust plans for adaptive
management BDS
1.12 Provide access to high quality educational materials to improve general education on and
Promote and implement
awareness the Deer
of issues concerning Code
deer BDS
1.12 Circulate an audit to review the extent of compliance with the Deer Code SNH
1.13 Produce a report for parliament on the extent of compliance with the Deer Code
and the extent to which the Deer Code has promoted effective sustainable deer
management SNH
1.14 Run training events which emphasise the need to adhere to the Deer Code and Wild
Deer Best Practice WDBPSG
1.15 Promote Wild Deer Best Practice through new website and social media (Facebook
and twitter - @BPG) SNH/WDBPSG
Raise awareness of the need for effective deer management
1.16 Deliver activity sessions for school children introducing the need for deer
management and introduction to the benefits of venison
SNL/RHET/BASC/LL&TNPA
1.17 Add a deer page to the LL&TNPA website LL&TNP
1.18 Develop a new digital platform to promulgate information on the biology of deer BDS
1.19 Deliver the ‘Hill to Grill’ programme with partners as part of the Outdoor and
Woodland Learning project SWT
1.20 Hold a 2 day seminar on Wild Deer including topics such as deer welfare, research
and habitat impacts BDS
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Establish a shared, trusted high quality knowledge base associated with
wild deer
1.21 Let a contract to scope the technical aspects of SWARD and help ensure it is user
friendly SNH
1.22 Support the development of an article analysing the effects of population reductions
on red deer distribution and movement patterns within the wider landscape and on
red deer population dynamics BDS
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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 appropriate levels of deer grazing within
ecosystems and reducing their negative impacts across
habitats and ecosystems.
2018 marked a big step forward in Scotland’s climate
change ambition and action, with a new Energy Strategy
and new Climate Change Bill introduced. The Climate
Change Bill proposes an increase in the current emissions
reduction target from 80% to 90% by 2050 as set out in
the current Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009.
Protecting peatlands and woodlands is one way to achieve
this. 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.
What will be done in 2018?
Contribute to the 2020 Challenge for Scotland’s Biodiversity
2.1 Implement the Invasive Non-Native Species Code as and when necessary and monitor
and act upon any reported sightings of Muntjac SNH/FES
2.2 Rationalise and promote Habitat Impact Assessment guidance for woodlands FCS/SNH
2.3 Develop training and awareness raising days for the Woodland Habitat Impact
Assessment through WDBP partners SNH/FCS/ADMG/WDBPSG
2.4 Run training courses to provide resources and training in techniques such as Habitat
Impact Assessment BDS
2.5 Launch on-line tutorials to support Habitat Impact Assessments ADMG
Carry out work to mitigate, reduce and adapt to the effects of Climate
Change
2.6 Act as a facilitator for peatland action on sites within the National Park LL&TNPA
2.7 Carry out actions related to peatland action CNPA
2.8 Promote riparian woodlands as part of woodland expansion FCS
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Contribute to achieving Favourable Condition status for designated features
2.9 Contribute to addressing herbivore impacts which are contributing to unfavourable
condition of designated features in woodlands FES/FCS/ADMG
2.10 Contribute to addressing herbivore impacts which are contributing to unfavourable
condition of designated features in the uplands SNH/ADMG/FES
2.11Carry out deer management to contribute to achieving Favourable Condition
Environment LINK
2.12 Carry out a deer census programme. SNH
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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 deer vehicle collisions and reducing
the damage that can be done to urban
woodlands 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. This need for a different approach was recognised by the ECCLR Committee
in their sessions on deer management in 2016/17. The Lowland Deer Project is helping to
address this need by exploring what is meant by public interests in the low ground and
understanding what deer management is taking place and how different deer management
delivers different public interests.
What will be done in 2018?
Improve understanding of deer population dynamics
3.1 Carry out an assessment of deer count and cull data as part of the Lowland Deer
Management Project SNH/FCS/LDNS
Develop a range of options for lowland and urban deer management
planning
3.2 Complete and promote the first phase of the Lowland Deer Management Project to
provide an assessment of all the data that relates to deer and deer management in
the project area SNH/FCS/LL&TNPA
3.3 Support the development of Local Authority deer management policy positions and
statements and Deer Management Plans SNH
3.4 Review the make-up and deliverables of LDNS
SNH /FCS/Transport Scotland/ LDNS
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Co-ordinate, make available and use current data on lowland and urban
deer
3.5 Start phase two of the Lowland Deer Management Project to take the data assessment
from phase one and use this to better understand the nature and extent of
collaborative deer management being undertaken and how the public interests are
being delivered SNH/FCS/LL&TNPA
3.6 Improve understanding of number of deer being culled and by whom in the lowlands
and urban areas SNH/LDNS
SNH/FCS/LL&TNPA
Understand public perception of urban and lowland deer
3.7 Deliver ‘Deer on your Doorstep’ events LDNS
3.8 Maintain delivery of a communications and events programme to a wide audience on
deer and deer management on the low ground LDNS
3.9 Hold an event for Local Authorities to raise awareness of deer and their management
SNH
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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.
The annual monetary value of wild deer
management in Scotland was estimated in
2014 to be £17.6 million. Deer management supported an estimated 722 full time
equivalent jobs, 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
year2. Other costs include to agriculture and to forestry. The costs and benefits of deer
need to be better understood and managed effectively to maximise the contribution deer
make to sustainable economic growth.
What will be done in 2018?
Encourage diverse economic opportunities
4.1 Provide venison from National Nature Reserves and National Parks for local events
and sales SNH/FCS/CNPA
4.2 Progress work to try and attain PGI status for Scottish Wild Venison SVP
4.3 Further explore the use of deer larders and cold stores in the low grounds
SNH/LDNS/FES
4.4 Provide a deer management sporting lease opportunity on the Isle of Rum NNR SNH
4.5 Work with the sector to produce a strategic plan for Scottish Venison to fit with
Scotland Food and Drink's Ambition 2030 SVP/SNH
4.6 Support the implementation of specifications for venison marketing research in the
Assynt area SWT
Understand the costs and benefits of deer management
4.7 Identify opportunities to use the cost benefit analysis of deer culling and fencing
FCS
4.8 Review the usefulness of LM3 (Local Multiplier) at the DMG scale CNPA
4.9 Explore the concept of Natural Capital at the ADMG AGM ADMG
2
‘Scoping the economic benefits and costs of wild deer and their management in Scotland’ Putman R, 2012,
P16
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Build on work to address deer vehicle collisions and human disease risks
4.10 Continue to raise awareness amongst staff and stalkers of deer-related human
disease risks such as Lyme disease from ticks FES
4.11 Collate DVC records from main data sources of Road operating companies, SSPCA
records and Human injury records Transport Scotland/SNH
4.12 Carry out further risk analyses to identify where to target further action on trunk
roads and prioritised Local Authority areas Transport Scotland/SNH
4.13 Facilitate the annual Spring and Autumn Deer Campaign to help raise awareness
amongst road users of the likelihood of deer movements Transport Scotland/SNH
4.14 Contribute to the production of new risk maps of DVC risk on roads in Scotland BDS
4.15 Engage with Transport Scotland in the concerns for the reduction of DVC through
road and fence design on the Dualling program for the A9 BDS
4.16 Continue to be involved in the debate about the role of deer in the complex and
interactive system of deer, ticks and Lyme disease BDS
Develop appreciation and understanding between access and deer
management
4.17 Support responsible access and responsible land management by operating the Heading
for the Scottish Hills web service SNH
4.18 Promote Heading for the Scottish Hills web site SNH/LL&TNPA/CNPA
4.19 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 Ramblers Scotland
4.20 Take opportunities to publicise and promote the rights and responsibilities of the
public with regard to walking during the stalking season Ramblers Scotland
4.21 Liaise over issues relating to access and stalking through the National Access
Forum Ramblers Scotland
4.22 Encourage responsible access through the Land Management Access Forum LL&TNPA
4.23 Develop new tools to assess chronic stress in free-ranging populations of deer,
specifically to develop appropriate methods to determine effects of disturbance on
deer welfare BDS
for our deer, land and people - 13 -Scotland’s Wild Deer: A National Approach (WDNA)
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.
Wild deer welfare underpins
WDNA. Existing work will be built on to increase understanding of practical
deer welfare.
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.
What will be done in 2018?
Ensure a strong skill base in deer management
5.1 Hold a WDBP Demonstration Day for colleges SNH
5.2 Hold Habitat Impact Assessment Training Days SNH/FCS/ LL&TNPA
5.3 Run an event on best practice in food hygiene and carcase preparation SNH
5.4 Hold Open Range Days and Run DSC courses BASC/BDS
5.5 Deliver two sessions for the public on exemplary venison butchery to engage with DIY
audience SNL/SVP/FES
5.6 Run the advanced Deer Management course BDS
5.7 Work with Food Standards Scotland and others to raise awareness of, and to
minimise risks of, contamination in the food chain in relation to venison SNH/SVP
5.8 Provide training, as requested, to support deer managers in the Assynt area SWT
5.8 Promote positive and rewarding career choices through the Lantra Industry
Champion’s Initiative Lantra
5.9 Organise a careers influencer event for the north of Scotland and support for career
events arranged by other organisations to raise awareness of career opportunities in
the land-based and environmental conservation sector Lantra
5.10 Celebrate the achievements of learners and new entrants through the Land-based
and Aquaculture Learner of the Year awards Lantra
5.11 Develop a SVQ Level 4 (SCQF Level 8) Rural Land Use and Management award and
technical Rural Land Use And Management Modern Apprenticeship SCQF Level 8
framework, which includes a gamekeeping learning pathway Lantra
for our deer, land and people - 14 -Scotland’s Wild Deer: A National Approach (WDNA)
Understand, promote and deliver wild deer welfare
5.12 Roll out the revised WDBP Guides on welfare SNH
5.13 Promote and run training on the updated WDBP Guides on welfare SNH
5.14 Continue to be closely involved in work to assess the risk of Chronic wasting
disease to deer populations in UK BDS
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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
Report.
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.
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Annex 2: List of Action Leaders and Contributors for this Action
Plan
Association of Deer Management Groups (ADMG)
British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC)
British Deer Society (BDS)
Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA)
Environment Link
Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS)
Forest Enterprise Scotland (FES)
Lantra
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority (LL&TNP)
Lowland Deer Network Scotland (LDNS)
Ramblers Scotland
Scottish Environment Link (Link)
Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH)
Transport Scotland
Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT)
Scottish Venison Partnership (SVP)
Wild Deer Best Practice Steering Group (WDBPSG)
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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 –
integrates deer management and other land-use objectives
uses collaboration to achieve the management objectives
uses a geographical scale and timescale best suited to achieving the management
objectives
engages and communicates with all relevant interests
uses sound science and the best available evidence
promotes deer welfare
Outcomes Management of all species of wild deer will contribute to:
A high quality, robust & Sustainable economic Social well-being
adaptable environment development
Objectives Contribute to healthy a) Increase the a) Contribute to a safe
ecosystems and conserve economic and healthy
and enhance biodiversity opportunities environment for
in the wider countryside associated with wild people.
Secure the favourable deer. b) Increase participation
condition status of b) Minimise economic in management and
Scotland’s sites costs attributable to enjoyment of wild
designated for nature wild deer. deer.
Help tackle and adapt to the c) Provide the skills and c) Manage the impacts
effects of climate knowledge required of wild deer in and
change. to manage deer as around
Minimise further spread of an integral part of communities.
non-native deer species Scotland’s natural d) Promote venison as a
in Scotland. resources. healthy food.
Safeguard the welfare of all d) Contribute to the
species of wild deer. social and economic
f) Conserve and enhance the development of
cultural and historic communities.
environment and the
distinct identity, diverse Contributing to all objectives
character and special Establish a shared, trusted and high quality
qualities of Scotland’s knowledge base associated with wild deer to
landscapes support local action
Develop effective frameworks for sustainable deer
management
Raise awareness and understanding of wild deer
and their management
for our deer, land and people - 18 -You can also read
