Deer management - Our work across the country

Deer numbers are increasing across parts of Scotland, and the adverse impacts this creates are ever more apparent.

The climate and biodiversity crises, and the development of the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy have together helped focus attention on the urgent need to reduce the number of deer in Scotland. However, deer management is complex and skilled work which is reliant on the cooperation of the private sector, so this is not a straightforward aim to achieve.

Across Scotland, NatureScot is working with landowners and managers and a range of other partners and stakeholders, including the Scottish Government, to take forward projects and activities which will help deliver the required reduction in deer numbers. Some projects are carried out at a national scale whilst others are more localised in nature. Whatever their extent, all are integral to helping us address the climate and biodiversity crises and meet the 2030 and 2045 targets of the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy.