News

SNH and Deer Commission to merge on August 1

30-JUL-2010

A new era begins on 1 August for Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and the Deer Commission for Scotland (DCS), with DCS merging into SNH. SNH will become the Scottish Government's statutory advisor on deer, promoting the conservation, control, and sustainable management of deer in Scotland.

The merger will combine the skills and expertise of SNH and DCS staff - providing a more integrated way of working, delivering better service for customers, stronger stakeholder relationships, and increased efficiency through shared resources and reduced costs.

Business will continue as normal for those who are used to dealing with DCS staff: almost all former DCS staff are remaining in post and will have the same contact phone numbers.

SNH has also created a transitional Deer Panel, which will advise, mentor and train the current SNH board, committees, management team and senior staff over the next three years.

Minister for Environment, Roseanna Cunningham, said:

"Merging the responsibilities of the Deer Commission for Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage will combine the strengths and expertise of both organisations and is a key aspect of the Scottish Government's commitment to public sector reform.

"Alongside the Wildlife & Natural Environment Bill, the move will help ensure that Scotland's wildlife is managed in a sustainable and balanced way for future generations and enhance relationships with wildlife managers which are founded on trust and mutual respect."

Ian Jardine, SNH chief executive, added:

"The merger with DCS, as well as other changes such as the proposed Wildlife & Natural Environment Bill, will make our work more joined up and efficient. Staff from both organisations are committed to help manage Scotland's wildlife to benefit us all, now and into the future. Managing our wildlife is not only needed for a healthy and diverse environment, it's also crucial for Scotland's rural economy and tourism."

Nick Halfhide, DCS chief executive, said:

"We've been working closely with SNH to ensure a smooth transition for our customers. DCS staff will bring their experience working with land managers and their understanding of rural economies to SNH, which will complement the resources and expertise in SNH well. I am confident that SNH will support the deer sector effectively in the future and strengthen links with wildlife managers."

ENDS

For more information, contact: press & public relations officers for Scottish Natural Heritage,

Calum Macfarlane, 01463 725020 or calum.macfarlane@snh.gov.uk (Thurs-Fri)

Nancy Fraser, 0141 951 4488 or nancy.fraser@snh.gov.uk (Thurs - Fri)

Heather Kinnin, 0131 316 2606 or heather.kinnin@snh.gov.uk (Mon-Wed)

Notes for Editors:

1.Scottish Natural Heritage is the government's adviser on all aspects of nature and landscape across Scotland. Our role is to help everyone understand, value and enjoy Scotland's nature now and in the future. For more information, visit our website at www.snh.gov.uk

2.The Scottish Parliament ratified the SNH-DCS merger on 25 March, as part of the Government's ongoing commitment to public sector reform.

3.SNH and DCS staff have developed a new plan, Managing Scotland's Deer - our new role. This document sets out how SNH plans to deliver its new functions and take forward the deer sector's shared strategy to sustainably manage deer in Scotland. The plan has been developed with input from representative bodies in the deer sector, but SNH is inviting further comment from anyone with an interest in deer management. Managing Scotland's Deer - our new role is available for download at snhwebsite:8090/about-snh/what-we-do/managing-scotlands-deer/.

ROLES OF THE TWO ORGANISATIONS

Deer Commission for Scotland

DCS is a non-departmental public body (NDPB), constituted by the Deer (Scotland) Act 1996, as the successor to the Red Deer Commission (which had been in existence since 1959). DCS is charged with furthering the conservation, control and sustainable management of all species of wild deer in Scotland, and keeping under review all matters, including welfare, relating to wild deer. DCS undertakes a wide range of activities throughout Scotland. As well as exercising a range of regulatory functions (e.g. authorisations, statutory returns), it publishes best practice guidelines, consults and advises widely on deer management issues, promotes and actively participates in the operation of deer management groups, undertakes and commissions research projects, conducts deer counts, disseminates best practice, assists in training, works with other agencies on wider policy issues, and advises Scottish Ministers on all deer matters in Scotland.

Scottish Natural Heritage

SNH was established in 1992 through the Natural Heritage (Scotland) Act 1991. It is the government body responsible to Scottish Government Ministers and through them to the Scottish Parliament. SNH's role is to look after the natural heritage of Scotland, help people to enjoy and value it, and encourage people to use it sustainably. This includes notifying sites of special scientific interest; the responsibility for supporting several other national designations including national nature reserves and national scenic areas; and promoting awareness and understanding of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, Scottish Marine Wildlife Watching Code and Scottish Fossil Code. SNH also plays a key role in helping the Scottish Government meet its responsibilities under European environmental laws, particularly in relation to the habitats and wild bird directives. Much of SNH's work is done in partnership with others - local authorities, government bodies, businesses, community groups, farmers and other land managers, and a wide range of representative bodies.

Author: Nancy fraser/Heather Kinnin
Contact: SNH Press Office