Effective deer management is vital to tackle the twin climate and biodiversity crises. Our consultation paper, “Managing deer for climate and nature”, which was published on 5 January, seeks views on our proposals for new deer legislation.

It is important that local stalkers are able to contribute to deer management and that the benefits of venison as a healthy and nutritious food are available to communities.

We are piloting projects that increase community involvement in deer management by providing £80,000 to create new venison larders, and we are working with NatureScot to support community deer management at Creag Meagaidh.