18.11.2016
A Parliamentary committee is to take evidence from a range of stakeholders following the publication today of a report by Scottish Natural Heritage on its review of Deer Management in Scotland.
The SNH review summarises the progress that deer management groups have made over the last couple of years. However, it also concludes that in some places deer continue to have a negative impact on biodiversity.
The Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform’s predecessor committee in the last session of Parliament called on the Scottish Government to carry out a review of deer management in Scotland in 2016 so today’s report is a direct result of their work on the issue.
Graeme Dey MSP, Convener of the Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee, said:
“The issue of how we best manage our deer populations has clearly divided some communities in Scotland. Deer are of huge importance to Scotland’s rural economy but their environmental and social impact can also have a significant effect on Scotland’s biodiversity so there is a careful balancing act at play.
“Our Committee’s sessions will allow MSPs to take a level headed look at the issues with organisations that are at the forefront of both managing our deer populations and also managing their impact.”
Background
The Committee will hear from Scottish Natural Heritage at its meeting on Tuesday 22nd November.
On the 13th December, the Committee expects to hear from a range of stakeholders representing deer management groups, the environment and business sectors and academia.
A copy of the report is available on the SNH website at
http://www.snh.gov.uk/publications-data-and-research/publications/search-the-catalogue/publication-detail/?id=2449