Joint Action
In March 2004, the three key land use agencies in Scotland, Deer Commission for Scotland (DCS), Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS), together with the Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department (SEERAD), agreed to work jointly to deal with natural heritage sites impacted by deer and other grazing animals.
They agreed to follow an evidence based approach with clear and transparent procedures enabling resources to be focused on areas where deer, livestock and other wildlife can be shown, objectively, to be causing deterioration or where a site was not in favourable condition. This approach has since absorbed DCS's earlier Priority Sites process.
Joint working involves finding solutions to grazing and trampling pressures. It also presents more opportunities for owners by making a comprehensive package available which combines deer and sheep reduction where appropriate, with assistance, whether advice or possibly payments, for continued management in the interests of habitat enhancement and/or woodland regeneration.
The UK has committed itself to targets for designated sites to meet European requirements on biodiversity. This requires 95 per cent of features on designated sites to be in favourable condition by March 2010. This does not mean instant recovery - but there must be a clear plan of action in place leading to 'favourable condition'.
The agencies' attention is focused on those sites most in need of attention.
More information
INTRODUCTORY LEAFLET- Two page leaflet explaining the audit, priority assessment and work programme process
JOINT WORKING APPROACH - Partnership arrangements for strategic co-ordination, project management and resolution of complex issues.
AUDIT LIST, ASSESSING PRIORITIES & WORK PROGRAMMES - Information about natural heritage sites currently undergoing monitoring for condition or receiving attention.
DEER RELATED ROAD SAFETY PROGRAMME - Information about sites in Scotland currently undergoing investigation for higher than expected deer related vehicles collisions.