Grazing management on designated sites

Grazing is an important to maintain the special interest of many of our valued natural heritage sites. At the right levels, grazing and trampling can help to maintain habitat and species diversity, however, too much or too little grazing can present problems.

Since 2004 the Deer Commission for Scotland, Forestry Commission Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate have been working together with private land-owners and managers, public bodies and conservation organisations to improve the condition of natural heritage sites impacted by deer and other grazing animals. This 'Joint working' approach uses a combination of monitoring, advice, financial incentives and regulation.

The UK is obliged to ensure that habitats and species designated under European legislation continue to represent the best examples of their type. In addition, the Scottish Government has set challenging targets for the agencies for designated sites, requiring that 95% of special features are in favourable condition by March 2011.