Insight into deer management for Callander SWT

The Callander branch of the Scottish Wildlife Trust last week heard how and why Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) undertakes herbivore management on Scotland’s National Forest and Land.

Focussing on deer management, Paul Bekier, Area Wildlife Manager with FLS Central Region, gave the 50-strong audience an overview both of FLS’ national approach and of issues specific to the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.

As Scotland’s largest land manager, FLS carries out approximately one third of Scotland’s annual deer cull, which delivers a number of benefits.

Paul, said;

“Deer management is an issue that can excite fairly opposing points of view so it’s good to be able to talk to groups like this to explain the need for it and how we go about it.

“Keeping deer numbers at an acceptable level is good for forestry, good for habitats and good for the overall well-being of deer because high population levels can mean a lot more competition for food, especially in the winter months.

“It’s also helps to sustain Scotland’s venison industry which sits squarely in our high quality food and drink sector.

“It was great to engage with a knowledgeable and curious audience that were very appreciative and generally positive in their feedback.”

Too high a population level of deer gives rise to excessive browsing damage to newly planted trees as well as to important and linked habitats that are important for other species, many of them rare or endangered.  

Excessive deer numbers have also been linked to increases in road traffic accidents, especially in more rural areas.

Lesley Hawkins, Secretary and Acting Chair of the local SWT group, said;

“As a conversation topic, deer management is one that often generates more heat than light.

“To hear first-hand the rationale for it, as well the practicalities and challenges of carrying out such an immense task, was very informative.

“It was a revealing insight into one of the more difficult but necessary tasks undertaken  by land managers such as Forestry and Land Scotland.”

Run as a public corporation, FLS generates the greater majority of its income from commercial activities, including activities such as leasing land for the generation of renewable energy, sustainable timber production and venison sales.

Notes to Editors

1. Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) manages forests and land owned by Scottish Ministers in a way that supports and enables economically sustainable forestry; conserves and enhances the environment; delivers benefits for people and nature; and supports Scottish Ministers in their stewardship of Scotland's national forests and land.
2. Home - Forestry and Land Scotland | twitter.com/ForestryLS