The number of herbivores grazing on the hills has been unnaturally high for centuries due to the extinction of bears, lynx and wolves from Scotland.

 

Sheep in Glencoe are now restricted through fencing to the lime rich slopes of Meall Mor where they are used to help maintain the important species rich grassland.

 

Deer on the property are numerous and free ranging and sadly the impact of large numbers of herbivores grazing on such a fragile environment is restricting the natural regeneration of trees and plants that once grew on these slopes.  To redress the balance, The National Trust for Scotland at Glencoe is attempting to reduce deer numbers in certain areas to allow the natural regeneration of native woodland and moorland trees and plants.  The deer cull numbers and the areas in which they are culled is determined through a large scale monitoring process both of the deer and of the vegetation that is under threat.  The success of our deer management can very quickly be assessed through this process of monitoring and if necessary adapted to suit specific circumstances.

 

Deer stalking in Glencoe is for conservation purposes and not sporting and is carried out in accordance to Deer Commission Scotland best practice. The Ranger/Stalker ensures that the cull does not interfere with people walking, climbing or simply enjoying the hills.