Deer in urban areas
As low ground deer populations spread – particularly roe deer in and around urban areas – we explore the impact for deer and people.
As low ground deer populations spread – particularly roe deer in and around urban areas – we explore the impact for deer and people.
Understanding the interactions between deer and people in and around towns, and the context in which lowland deer management operates continues to be a core area of work for us.
NatureScot:
Forest Research published a piece of research, The management of roe deer in peri-urban Scotland, in 2009. This examined the range of often complex issues that arise when deer and people try to live side by side in and around towns.
Growing numbers of deer are moving into peri-urban areas – defined as the mosaic of mixed land uses found around our towns, from housing and transport to agriculture and forestry.
Questionnaires and focus groups were used to explore the positive and negative impacts of deer on local communities. The focus was on how people interact with deer, though deer management options were also discussed.
The research team wanted to see if it was possible to promote new ways to think about, appreciate and, where necessary, manage deer. A way to encourage greater involvement in, understanding of and future planning for deer management was proposed and is being tested in West Lothian.