Excessive Government Powers Over Deer Management Risk Damage to Modernisation Proposals

Press Release

The Scottish Government have launched a consultation on proposals to update legislation governing deer management in Scotland. The proposals aim to ensure legislation is fit for purpose in the context of the biodiversity and climate crises, alongside a small number of proposals concerned with farmed and kept deer.

They are based around six themes: Enhancing the Natural Environment; Compliance; Wild deer Welfare; Changes to close seasons; Venison; and Kept and Farmed Deer.

Key changes included in the Scottish Government's plans would establish greater powers for NatureScot through the creation of Deer Management Nature Restoration Orders, which would allow NatureScot to enter land under legally enforceable direction to undertake deer management activities where it sees fit.

Other proposals include a reduction to the close season for female deer, new restrictions around the use of shotguns for deer management, abolishing the licensing scheme for venison dealers and the ability to shoot stray farmed deer where appropriate.

Scottish Land & Estates' Wildlife Management Policy Advisor, Nadia Flaherty, has described much of the Scottish Government's proposals as 'welcome', however she has expressed significant concern around the creation of NatureScot's Deer Management Nature Restoration Orders.

Nadia Flaherty, Policy Advisor (Wildlife Management) at Scottish Land & Estates, said: “While there is much to be welcomed in the Scottish Government’s proposals to modernise deer management in Scotland, the proposed creation of Deer Management Nature Restoration Orders is a cause for significant concern.

“Grazing, browsing and erosion by deer do not occur in isolation and they are not the only barriers to restoring nature. It is unlikely that the imposition of these orders alone will deliver the outcomes desired by Scottish Ministers. A holistic, integrated approach is required which considers all ecosystem impacts.

“In addition, the criterion for imposing these orders is extremely vague and subjective. Given the potentially significant financial liabilities for landowners, it must be made crystal clear in what circumstances Ministers may seek to impose such an order. The subjectivity associated with this proposal in its current form leaves the door wide open to disproportionate and unreasonable decision-making.

“It is worth remembering that private landowners are already responsible for enabling some 80% of the deer management effort underway across Scotland. It is vital that any legislative change does not detract from that considerable and vital contribution.

“We look forward to engaging with Ministers and officials in the weeks and months ahead to ensure the modernisation of deer legislation is both proportionate and workable.”

 

The Scottish Government consultation on Managing Deer For Climate And Nature is open until 29 March 2024 and can be accessed here.