Unprecedented deer control scheme imposed on Loch Choire Estate in Sutherland
An unprecedented move has been made in a bid to force a Sutherland sporting estate to reduce the number of deer on its land in order to protect the natural heritage.
The Scottish Government has approved an application by NatureScot to impose a compulsory deer management control scheme on Loch Choire Estate under Section 8 of the Deer (Scotland) Act 1996.
This is the first time such a control scheme has been used in Scotland and comes after the estate failed to reach a voluntary agreement with NatureScot.
Loch Choire Estate, which lies about 32 miles to the west of Helmsdale, is owned by a Shropshire private limited company, More Works Holding (MWH). The sole director of the company is listed as Jonathan Greenall.
There has been insufficient deer culling on the estate in recent years, raising concerns about the impact of increasing deer numbers on peatlands, woodlands and other habitats in the area.
Four Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) lie wholly or partly within the estate.
The estate owner is said not to have responded to repeated efforts to engage and find alternative solutions.
NatureScot, which cares for Scotland’s nature and landscape, used its intervention powers under the Deer (Scotland) Act in early 2023 to carry out a deer cull at Loch Choire.
A total of 160 deer were shot and processed for venison.
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NatureScot said the decision to impose a compulsory deer management control scheme came after ongoing efforts to find a longer-term solution to the damage on Loch Choire Estate had been unsuccessful.
The control scheme was approved by the Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity, Jim Fairlie, following a period of consultation.
The aim of the scheme is to reduce the deer density on the estate from 14 deer per km2 to 7.5 deer per km2 within five years.
If the estate fails to comply with the requirements of the order, NatureScot could intervene and recover costs. Anyone who refuses or wilfully fails to comply with a control scheme may be guilty of an offence.
Robbie Kernahan, NatureScot’s director of green economy, said: “Deer are an important part of our biodiversity but in high numbers they can have a negative impact on woodlands, peatlands and other habitats.
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“Sustainable deer management is vital if we are to bring populations into balance with the rest of nature and effectively tackle the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change.
“We will always favour a voluntary and collaborative approach to deer management, working in cooperation with partners towards this shared goal.
“However, we will use our intervention powers as a last resort in cases such as this, where, despite significant efforts, we have been unable to secure the required commitment and action through voluntary means.”
Loch Choire Estate can lodge an appeal with the Scottish Land Court within 28 days.
