MANAGING DEER FOR NATURE RECOVERY
Rewilding Learning Day
Join Jack Ward, a deer stalker on the UK’s largest nature restoration project, to learn more about the ecology of deer, their role in the Scottish landscape and the evolving nature of deer management.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Deer are a central component of Scotland’s ecosystems, contributing to vital natural processes through grazing, browsing, trampling, nutrient cycling and seed dispersal. Deer stalking also plays a key role in many Scottish communities – providing jobs and food, as well as a sense of place and cultural identity for some.
Nobody contests the value of deer, or the affection these animals inspire. But where there are too many deer they can become a barrier to the recovery of native woodlands and peatlands, reducing biodiversity and climate resilience.
This Learning Day will unpack the central role of deer in Scotland’s natural and cultural history, and explore how deer management is changing in the face of the growing climate and biodiversity crises.
The Learning Day will cover:
- The identification and ecology of different deer species in Scotland
- The positive impact of deer on various habitats as well as the negative impacts when the pressure becomes too great
- The Scottish government’s aims and legislation for deer management and nature restoration
- How to conduct a herbivore habitat impact assessment to inform future deer management
- The equipment used to effectively manage deer for nature restoration
- Why lynx or wolves won’t replace Scotland’s stalkers
- The UK venison industry and its potential importance for rural communities
This Learning Day is for you if:
- You’re a student, graduate or other individual interested in pursuing a career within the rewilding/deer management sector
- You’re a landowner keen to learn more about habitat impact assessments and managing deer
- You’re a conservation/rewilding professional keen to learn new skills
- You’re interested in learning more about the place of deer in the Scottish landscape
DATES
| DATES | GUIDE | STATUS | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DATES: 16 Apr 2026 | GUIDES: Jack Ward | STATUS: Open | BOOK NOW |
PRICE
£95
PRICE INCLUDES
- Tea/coffee/biscuits on arrival
- All presentations and take-home resources
- Certification for course attendance
PRICE EXCLUDES
- Travel to/from the course
- Lunch (please bring a packed lunch)
- Personal expenses
If you would like to combine two events, our Living with Lynx Learning Day takes place at the same venue on 15 April. Contact us for accommodation recommendations.
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Timings
Arrival from 9.30am for tea/coffee/biscuits, for a 10am start. The day will wrap up around 4pm.
How do I get there?
This Learning Day will be run from Ballintean Mountain Lodge, Glenfeshie, near Kingussie, PH21 1NX
From the south:
Exit A9 at Kingussie/Kincraig turn and take B9152 north towards Kincraig.
From the north:
Exit A9 at Lynwilg (turn for Aviemore/Kincraig) and take B9152 south towards Kincraig.
Once in Kincraig…
- Turn off B9152 into The Brae by war memorial, towards Insh/Feshiebridge.
- Follow road past the café, over the river bridge and past Loch Insh Watersports.
- At the T junction, turn right towards Insh
- After 0.5 miles, bear left up the single-track road signed Glenfeshie.
- 1.5 miles up this road, turn left down the forest track signed Ballintean. After c.200m, before going over the cattle grid, bear right and you will see Ballintean Mountain Lodge (large stone building).
- Turn into the car parking area on the left. Please try and car share, where possible.
Timing: Approx. 20 minutes from Aviemore or Kingussie, both of which have train stations.
Is the course suitable for me?
Some of the morning will be spent indoors before doing a herbivore habitat impact assessment outdoors. After lunch, the afternoon will be spent outdoors (approx 2 1/2 hours), sometimes walking over rough and wet ground. Please wear appropriate clothing and sturdy boots. We will be walking less than 3km, not always on paths and at a slow pace.
If you want to discuss suitability further, please get in touch with our Rewilding Training Lead.
What size are your groups?
Our Learning Days are for groups of up to 15 participants.
Read our FAQ's for more info
Venue
Ballintean is a former farm situated on the banks of the River Feshie in the heart of the Cairngorms. The site began its rewilding journey 25 years ago and for the most part, the land is now governed by natural processes with woodland and scrub communities expanding, almost exclusively by natural regeneration.
Today, they welcome guests throughout the year to both a lodge and cottage situated on their 130-acre rewilding reserve.
