Rural Payments and Services

The aim of this item is to benefit upland and moorland habitat by counting wild deer numbers and recording their locations.

This assessment will provide baseline information on which to base management decisions, or can be undertaken at three to five year intervals to check the effectiveness of management works already undertaken.

Where the deer population and / or the designated site extends across more than one ownership it may be appropriate to collaborate with neighbours.

Rough grazing land, which forms part of a deer range that includes land designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest or Natura site and is in, or at risk of falling into, unfavourable condition due to grazing pressure from deer is eligible.

You must combine this option with the Upland Habitat Impact Assessment for Deer Managementitem.

You must prepare and submit a deer census plan to Scottish Natural Heritage for approval.

This plan must include a 1:50,000 map showing the proposed areas to be assessed, justification for the area being counted and details of the classifications to be assessed (stags, hinds and calves).

• you must provide Scottish Natural Heritage with a report of the count that includes deer density and a 1:50,000 map showing the area counted
• you must maintain a diary

Payment will be made on an actual cost basis, upon completion of the work and approval of the report by Scottish Natural Heritage.

Payment will be restricted to a maximum of £60 per 100 hectares where the count has taken place.

Your report will be reviewed by Scottish Natural Heritage, who will confirm whether it is up to standard. There is no in-field verification.

Supporting guidance is available for this item.