Course: Learning Day - Managing Deer for Nature Recovery

WHAT TO EXPECT

Deer are a central component of Scotland’s ecosystems, contributing to vital natural processes through grazing, browsing, trampling, nutrient cycling and seed dispersal. Deer stalking also plays a key role in many Scottish communities – providing jobs and food, as well as a sense of place and cultural identity for some.

Nobody contests the value of deer, or the affection these animals inspire. But where there are too many deer they can become a barrier to the recovery of native woodlands and peatlands, reducing biodiversity and climate resilience.

This Learning Day will unpack the central role of deer in Scotland’s natural and cultural history, and explore how deer management is changing in the face of the growing climate and biodiversity crises.

The Learning Day will cover:

• The identification and ecology of different deer species in Scotland
• The positive impact of deer on various habitats as well as the negative impacts when the pressure becomes too great
• The Scottish government’s aims and legislation for deer management and nature restoration
• How to conduct a herbivore habitat impact assessment to inform future deer management
• The equipment used to effectively manage deer for nature restoration
• Why lynx or wolves won’t replace Scotland’s stalkers
• The UK venison industry and its potential importance for rural communities

This Learning Day is for you if:

• You’re a student, graduate or other individual interested in pursuing a career within the rewilding/deer management sector
• You’re a landowner keen to learn more about habitat impact assessments and managing deer
• You’re a conservation/rewilding professional keen to learn new skills
• You’re interested in learning more about the place of deer in the Scottish landscape