Clear on Deer

Clear on Deer is a 30-minute documentary following wildlife and nature filmmaker Libby Penman's exploration of the challenges and future of deer management in Scotland.
Scotland's deer population is having a devastating impact on Scotland's climate and biodiversity targets. Their impact on the land and suppression of regeneration means Scotland's land is emitting vast amounts of carbon into the atmosphere, when it could be absorbing it.
Libby speaks to conservationists, landowners, organisations and politicians to explore the nuances of the debate and what change means for our wild places.
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[@andyr4611]

Huge economic potential from increased tourism with a widespread expansion of natural woodlands in the Highlands, but that's really something the children of tomorrow would benefit from.

[@allanmacdougall8334]

Enjoyed the video, thanks for posting.
However, no mention of the deer's natural predators and the sustainable regeneration of biodiversity resulting from their reintroduction. If deer numbers are purposely maintained at artificially high levels in the absence of predation, does that mean that shooting estates in Scotland are therefore the major barrier towards ecosystem restoration and meeting net zero targets?

[@lightanddreamsphotography7140]

Thanks, everyone needs to see this

[@StevenThomas-u6j]

Thanks JMT for an excellent film about a tricky topic. Changing the world takes a while, especially with such a diverse range of land usage and ownership in the highlands. NTS at Mar Lodge have demonstrated that natural woodland habitats will regenerate if deer numbers are reduced. JMT can do the same on its properties (especially Assynt) if it commits to a big reduction. How this is done is of less consequence than getting it done. Once JMT can demonstrate progress we will be walking the walk as well as talking the talk. Protection of wild land is what we do and regeneration of woodland habitats is key.

[@caledonianfoto3728]

Great video Libby.