Freedom of Information Request - Red and Roe Deer Numbers on RSPB Abernethy reserve
Date: 15 January 2026
Our ref: SIR182914/A5650813
Information Request – Red and Roe Deer Numbers on RSPB Abernethy reserve
Your Request
Can you please inform me of the Red and Roe deer count numbers within the RSPBs Abernethy reserve for the last 5 years. Also, how many out of season licenses have been issued for deer control in the last 5 years for this reserve.
Our Response
We have discussed your request with the Wildlife Management Team, and responded to each part of your request as follows:
1. Can you please inform me of the Red and Roe deer count numbers within the RSPBs Abernethy reserve for the last 5 years?
We do not hold any information relating to this part of your request.
The last deer count carried out by NatureScot (SNH) was in March 2017 when the number of red deer counted over Abernethy was:
Table 1 - Number of Red Deer Counted over Abernethy
| Type | Stags | Hinds | Calves |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number | 53 | 45 | 15 |
The numbers of roe deer, and any deer unseen under forest cover, was not recorded during that 2017 deer count.
2. How many out of season licences have been issued for deer control in the last 5 years for this reserve?
One licence per year, over the last five years, has been issued by NatureScot to shoot deer during the closed season on the Abernethy reserve.
How We Handled Your Request
We believe you have asked for environmental information as defined in the Environmental Information (Scotland Regulations 2004 (‘the EIRs’), so we are dealing with your request under those regulations. To be able to use the EIRs, we must apply an exemption under section 39(2) of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (‘FOISA’). The Scottish Information Commissioner’s guidance recommends that public authorities apply this exemption to environmental information and handle request under the EIRs.
If you would like to find out more about the access to information legislation, there is a guidance booklet available on the Scottish Information Commissioner’s website.
Review and Appeal
I hope this information meets your requirements, but if you are dissatisfied with how we have responded to your information request, please write to us within 40 working days explaining your concerns. You can contact us at Battleby, Redgorton, Perth, PH1 3EW or email us at [email protected]. We will carry out a review of our response and contact you with our findings within 20 working days.
If you are not satisfied following this, you can make an appeal to the Scottish Information Commissioner within 6 months. The Scottish Information Commissioner can be contacted at:
Scottish Information Commissioner
Kinburn Castle
Doubledykes Road
St Andrews
Fife
KY16 9DS
Telephone: 01334 464610
Yours sincerely
FOI Officer,
NatureScot
