Wild Land News no 54, Winter 2001/2002

Deer Damage on National Nature Reserves Article

Watchdog body warns of last resort action

Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has reported four estates in the north-west Highlands to the Deer Commission Scotland (DCS) for failure to exercise adequate control over their deer populations. SNH has stopped short of publicly identifying the estates, as the problem is widespread throughout Scotland. In this instance, however, excessive deer numbers have over a period of years been causing serious damage to the Inverpolly and Inchnadamph National Nature Reserves, both of which are Sites of Special Scientific Interest and are candidates for the status of European Special Areas of Conservation.

Woodland regeneration has proved impossible without fencing, erosion of soil and peat is causing concern, and numerous other species of plants are being suppressed as a result of grazing and trampling.

The DCS, the watchdog body, has responded positively. Its director, Nick Reiter, said that the Commission would set up deer management groups with the estates, but that it would use its "statutory powers to order culls as a last resort if necessary".