Scottish Land & Estates (SLE) has expressed concern around the creation of NatureScot’s Deer Management Nature Restoration Orders.
The Scottish government launched a consultation today (Friday, January 5) seeking views on proposed changes to Scotland’s systems of deer management.
One of the proposals involves granting NatureScot additional powers to facilitate deer management for the purposes of enhancing the natural environment.
SLE wildlife management policy advisor Nadia Flaherty said she welcomes many of the Scottish government’s proposals, which also include changes to improve the welfare of wild deer and removing barrier for venison dealer to help expand their markets.
However, Flaherty has significant concern around the creation of NatureScot’s Deer Management Nature Restoration Orders.
SLE said the Scottish government’s plans would establish greater powers for NatureScot through the creation of Deer Management Nature Restoration Orders, which would allow NatureScot to enter land under legally enforceable direction to undertake deer management activities where it sees fit.
“While there is much to be welcomed in the Scottish government’s proposals to modernise deer management in Scotland, the proposed creation of Deer Management Nature Restoration Orders is a cause for significant concern,” Flaherty said.
“Grazing, browsing and erosion by deer do not occur in isolation and they are not the only barriers to restoring nature.
“It is unlikely that the imposition of these orders alone will deliver the outcomes desired by Scottish ministers.
“A holistic, integrated approach is required which considers all ecosystem impacts.”
‘Vague’ criteria
Flaherty also said the criterion for imposing the orders is “extremely vague and subjective”.
“Given the potentially significant financial liabilities for landowners, it must be made crystal clear in what circumstances ministers may seek to impose such an order,” she said.
“The subjectivity associated with this proposal in its current form leaves the door wide open to disproportionate and unreasonable decision-making.
“It is worth remembering that private landowners are already responsible for enabling some 80% of the deer management effort underway across Scotland.
“It is vital that any legislative change does not detract from that considerable and vital contribution.
“We look forward to engaging with Ministers and officials in the weeks and months ahead to ensure the modernisation of deer legislation is both proportionate and workable.”
