Conservation

There can be few things in life that go more hand-in-hand than conservation and sport. Time and effort would not be spent caring for the countryside, its woods, hedges, wetlands and wildlife etc., without the prospect of some reward. This reward might come by way of a few quiet hours with a fishing rod on the riverbank, the thrill of getting close to one of the country's largest and most majestic wild animals or an occasional day with a favourite dog at one's side in search of game. On Arran conservation lies at the heart of land management policies. The result of care being taken over a long period has resulted in benefits for all.

A prime example of maintaining the balance of nature lies with the proper management of the Isle of Arran's Red Deer herd. Without this, the number of animals would increase so as to over-graze the mountain and open hill areas. Through the Arran Deer Management Group, communication between the various parties involved with the deer and their management ensures that deer numbers and their habitat condition are monitored and a planned cull is taken annually.

 

The Island's "deer forest" herd is maintained at around 600 stags, 700 hinds and 220 calves through a carefully selective culling policy, where only the aged and poor quality animals are taken out using an accurate, high velocity rifle. This ensures better grazing for the rest of the herd and relieves pressure on the fragile plant communities of the mountain and moorland areas. Of the annual cull, which is around 90 stags and 120 hinds from the open hill, Arranland Estates take about 65 stags and 90 hinds, using an accurate, high velocity rifle.