Deer culled in an area of Scotland will be butchered and delivered as venision to schools and food banks. Some will also be sold to local restaurants and hotels to fund the new ‘deer larders’.
“We experienced agricultural damage from an extremely high deer density (47 per square kilometres, almost five times over the recommended maximum) on the farm,” explained Helen Stewart from Knockbarry Farm, near Pitlochry. “We wanted to find an ethical and sustainable way to reduce deer numbers.”
Knockbarry, along with Glenkilrie Farm near Blairgowrie, have been awarded a grant to purchase and manage deer larders, from which deer culled in and around the Cairngorms National Park will be butchered.
A significant proportion of the venison processed – including lean and easy to cook mince, meatballs, burgers, and sausages – will be donated to foodbanks, local schools, and community kitchens.
Venison for schools
Meat from the larders will also be sold to local retail outlets, hotels, and restaurants through already established routes to market, to ensure the project is financially self-sustaining.
Lauren Houstoun, owner of Glenkilrie Larder, said: “Populations of deer herds are rising and agricultural damage is increasing, and in turn these fantastic animals are starting to be viewed as pests. We are thrilled to be able to put a positive spin on the situation.”
Glenkilrie also has a cook school, and the plan is to invite school groups to learn about the deer and how to cook venison.
The project, part of the Cairngorms 2030 programme, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, also aims to inspire land managers and groups in other parts of rural Scotland and beyond, to solve critical land management challenges whilst simultaneously benefitting local communities and businesses.
“This is an exciting project that will help farmers tackle a long-running problem, support the wider community, and preserve fragile habitats,” said Sandy Bremner, convener at the Cairngorms National Park Authority. “There’s great potential for it to be rolled out further, and we are already looking at other areas that would benefit.”
