Deer in a changing climate – how do wild deer affect carbon sequestration in Scottish woodlands?

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.