Why do we manage deer numbers?
Our Urban Woodland Management Plan sets out a 10-year vision for Anagach Woods. One of our aims is to create a thriving wild pinewood that provides a home for native species, including capercaillie, aspen and twinflower. We also seek to increase biodiversity and develop resilience in the face of the risk of climate change.
One of our objectives under the UWMP is ensure that deer numbers allow the natural regeneration of a mid-canopy layer of pine, birch, rowan and aspen. This is especially needed in areas utilised by capercaillie, and pine hoverfly release sites. Regeneration of these species will also help develop greater species diversity in the wood and provide cover for wildlife.
Deer graze on these young trees, eating shoots and leaves, and preventing them from reaching maturity. They can also strip bark from trees, leaving them exposed to disease.
Surveying and monitoring
In late December 2026, The Trust commissioned a thermal imaging drone survey to ascertain the number of deer in the woods. The survey showed that deer numbers are higher than desirable.
This study has been discussed by the Board and it has been agreed to reduce deer numbers in Anagach Woods.
We currently carry out tree thinning to encourage the spread of native trees and we believe that removing up to 10 deer a year will further assist our regeneration aims under the UWMP.
Public safety is a priority and the implementation of deer management in Anagach Woods will be carried out by an experienced local stalker and in accordance with British Deer Society guidelines.
This activity will take place in the less visited areas of Anagach Woods, during daylight but mostly post dawn and pre-dusk. Shooting may be carried out during the Scottish legal season for the species – in Anagach these are Roe – with the doe season between October 21and March 31. Bucks can be taken all year.
We will also monitor the impacts of any deer management activities using on the ground using herbivore impact assessments (following standard guidelines https://www.forestry.gov.scot/publications/woodland-herbivore-impact-assessment-method-user-guide). This will be reviewed by the board on an annual basis.
Understanding deer management
We recognise that deer management is a long‑established and essential part of land management in the Strath and across Scotland. At the same time, we understand that, while these practices are routine within land management, they can still be distressing for some people and may not be supported by everyone in the community. That is why we have shared this information about why the work is necessary. We care deeply about deer welfare and about maintaining the health of the wider environment.
We would welcome any comments you may have about this activity. Please email your questions or thoughts to info@anagachwoods.org.uk