NatureScot Commissioned Report 558: Establishing trees without fences in Scotland
Browsing by deer can detrimentally affect both planted and naturally regenerated young trees. Since deer move across land ownership boundaries, even heavy culling cannot always reduce browsing pressure on young trees to levels that will meet tree regeneration objectives. Additionally, many land owners want to maintain deer numbers higher than are compatible with successful tree regeneration. Fencing is not always an alternative due to practicality, cost and potentially negative impact on access, landscape and biodiversity. As a result, other means of protecting trees from deer are needed. This report reviews a range of different potential approaches, recommends those that are likely to be suitable for Scotland and provides an outline of trials that might be carried out at Creag Meagaidh and Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserves.
Pages: 58
Published: 2013
NatureScot Commissioned Report 558
Disclaimer: Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has changed its name to NatureScot as of the 24th August 2020.
At the time of publishing, this document may still refer to Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and include the original branding. It may also contain broken links to the old domain.
If you have any issues accessing this document please contact us via our feedback form.
