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WBW – 27 April 2010

Cairngorms Deer Advisory Group - Thursday 6th May 2010

Cairngorms National Park Deer Framework

Paper for information

The following text was developed in response to feedback from CDAG members at the last
CDAG meeting 11th Feb 2010.

8 SUSTAINING THE DEER RESOURCE

8.1 Introduction

The National Policy document Scotland’s Wild Deer a National Approach set out “guiding 
principles for ways of working”. This section builds on those principles and provides a
Cairngorms National Park context for sustaining the deer resource into the long-term.

Wild deer are integral to the many ecosystems that make up the landscape of the National Park. 

The principles below acknowledge the functions of landowners/land managers, agencies, interest 
groups and the public in the management of deer. They are based on a collective spirit of respect 
for the public interest in deer management, the value of contrasting estate objectives across 
the National Park and the significance of the key role that landowners play as stewards of 
the countryside.

Ultimately the aim of the principles below is to maintain local business and employment, support 
rural communities and protect the National Park environment.

8.2 Principles for managing wild deer and their range:

Management based on sound evidence and objectives

Deer culls ensure the maintenance of good quality and varied deer habitat. They should be guided 
by knowledge of population density, habitat condition and grazing pressure obtained through up to 
date best practice monitoring techniques.

Public benefit and public funding

The provision of public benefits, which may not be in the immediate interests of landowners, justifies 
public funding assistance.

Integration and collaboration

Neighbouring landowners do not operate in isolation, but should seek, through Deer Management Groups, to 
resolve competing objectives and involve other interest groups in decision making.

Geographic areas and timescales

Densities of deer across the National Park vary both geographically and through time and should be managed 
to allow a diversity of land use objectives to be met.

Communication

Wider understanding of the purpose and importance of deer, their management and the range they occupy 
should be promoted.

Marketing

All opportunities to optimise the benefits of wild deer for food, crafts, tourism, sport etc should 
be explored.