This capital item provides support for changes in open range deer management which will enhance the condition of the special features on designated sites. It is available over deer ranges containing designated sites that are considered to be at risk from damage by deer.
You should set out the proposed operations in a Deer Management Plan (DMP) that complies with Deer Commission for Scotland best practice guidance. This plan should include targets for enhancing the condition of key habitats on the designated site, which are achievable within a 5-year period. There will be a review in year 3 and further changes in management may be needed if there has not been reasonable progress towards these targets.
Where deer and livestock are both present on the designated site in significant numbers, this item will only be available in conjunction with a moorland management plan which takes account of the combined impact of all grazing animals on the site and incorporates the key elements of the DMP.