A Word document version of this page, complete with operational links, can be downloaded here.
A new draft deer plan is being produced for South Grampian Deer Management Group, with draft documents relating to this having been uploaded below. The November 2026 DMG meeting will be used to discuss long term deer densities within the area in conjunction with CNPA and Nature Scot, with a view to signing off a deer plan by spring 2027. In the meantime, DMG members will be looking to achieve a target density of 10 deer per sq km by that same date, overseen by Nature Scot. The draft plan consists of a series of word documents, PDFs and Excel spreadsheets, with an extensive series of maps below.
If you would like to contribute to the development of this plan, or have any queries or comments, please contact the DMG Secretary on victor@nativewoods.co.uk
Key Information
The main background and analysis to different issues within the area can be found at the following link. It incorporates all of the maps listed below, details the history and structure of the DMG, assesses the group against a range of public interest criteria, and develops a series of action points to be taken forwards.
Background Information & Analysis document.
From this, a working plan has been developed.
This is accompanied by a series of population models covering the 4 X sub areas within the DMG. These models and the Working Plan will be updated on an annual basis. The models cover a five year period. At present, the models are a first draft, subject to confirmation of planting areas to be removed from deer range.
SG Population Models 2026-2031
Population Models Information Note
South Grampian Population Model- Zone 1 reduction to 5 deer per sq km
In the coming five years, the DMG area will be dominated by the extent of new woodland creation (up to 4400 ha) across up to 15 different sites, and the ongoing Caenlochan situation.
There follows a map of the likely woodland creation and restructuring projects within the area, and an account of what each project is likely to entail. It is hoped to have these documents finalized in early 2026 when details of 2-3 of the larger schemes have been confirmed.
SG Potential Woodland Projects Map
South Grampian DMG Woodland Projects Information Note
The following report is considered to be the best history and analysis of the situation at Caenlochan, which has dominated the DMG area since 2003. This report has never been published, with Nature Scot taking editorial control of it in 2020. It is a long report, complex and sometimes contradictory, but the broad conclusions are generally supported by the author, Nature Scot and members of the DMG.
OTHER DOCUMENTS
SG Designated Sites Information
SG Monitoring of Designated Features
SG The Risks Associated with Under Grazing
MAPS
3 SG Management Objectives Map
9 SG Landscape Designations Map
11 SG Blanket Bog & Dwarf Shrub Heath distribution map with woodland
12 SG Woodland Distribution Map
13 SG Potential Woodland Creation Map
14 SG Potential Woodland Projects Map
15 SG Deer Group Size Comparison map
16 SG Hill Sheep Distribution Map
17 SG Land Above 600 metres map
18 SG 2025 Helicopter Count Map
19 SG Deer Group Distribution map
20 SG Unused Grazing Units Map- hares above 600 m only
21 SG Unused Grazing Units map- hares throughout moorland area
Maps 20 & 21 have been informed by the following report which sets out recommended grazing levels for a range of upland habitat types.