Community-led deer management, capacity, legitimacy and the future of deer stalking
As part of our Insights Series, one of our team members, Dr Natasha Coleman, reflects on one of the most pressing land use challenges facing Scotland today: deer management.
The piece explores the growing interest in community-led approaches, considering what they could mean for local engagement, decision-making, and long-term stewardship. It also examines important questions around capacity, fairness for paid professionals, and whether and should such models can be scaled effectively across different landscapes.
Deer are of increasing concern due to their impacts on woodland regeneration, biodiversity, and wider climate and nature targets-highlighting the need for stronger integration of social science perspectives alongside ecological evidence.