Deer in a changing climate – how do wild deer affect carbon sequestration in Scottish woodlands?
Date
06/2021Item status
Restricted AccessEmbargo end date
16/08/2021Author
Hirst, Christopher
Metadata
Abstract
The Scottish Government is investing significant resources into expanding Scotland’s woodland cover in order to increase carbon sequestration and mitigate climate change. Wild animals are rarely considered in carbon storage policy. However, there is growing evidence that Scotland’s wild deer population could hinder targets for woodland creation. High pressure from deer can also harm the health of pre-existing woodland and therefore reduce the ability of Scotland’s woodlands to store carbon and off-set carbon emissions. This report examines the available evidence for the impact of wild deer on carbon cycling in Scottish woodlands.