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Scotland's Wild Deer: A National Approach

For our deer, land & people

Scotland's Wild Deer: A National Approach (WDNA)  PDF document   is an approach to the sustainable management of wild deer. Developed by land managers and public bodies it guides actions on the ground and informs strategic thinking.

Why is it called an approach?

Underpinning WDNA is the need for people to work together to deliver sustainable deer management. This approach to deer management is integral to achieve sustainable deer management.

How is the new approach being delivered?

We are delivering the WDNA through a series of action plans. The purpose of each plan is to co-ordinate activity across the deer sector showing the breadth and depth of activities contributing to the vision. The plans recognise the formal and informal partnerships delivering actions on the ground, as well as the individual leads on certain actions.

Principles of Scotland's Wild Deer: A National Approach

  • Provide a Scottish framework to guide local decision-making and improve delivery of deer management
  • Develop inclusive and representative decision-making processes
  • Maximise the value of wild deer to contribute to the local and national economy
  • Manage deer as an integral and essential part of biodiversity
  • Encourage more people to participate in and enjoy activities which involve wild deer in Scotland

Latest updates

The Third WDNA Action Plan  PDF document   was published in June 2011. There are 64 actions in 2011/12 to be delivered by 10 organisations including SNH, ADMG, Scottish Environment LINK and CNPA.

Key highlights are:

  • Publishing a Code of Practice on Deer Management: A public consultation for the draft Code of Practice on Deer Management will take place during May and June. The responses will be analysed and used to shape the final Code which will be presented to the minister for approval in early September.
  • Developing a Lowland Deer Network: This will provide those that manage deer in the lowlands access to industry thinking on collaborative management, competence and best practice.
  • Wild Deer Best Practice Guides to support the Code of Practice on Deer Management: A set of new Guides will be developed to support the Code. These will focus on topics such as managing deer in and around towns.

Scotland's Wild Deer: A National Approach - Publications

Further Information

For further information please contact:

Jessica Findlay or Sue Dymond