Having contributed a grant towards the pre-cursor project to the Common Ground Forum (CGF) in 2022, we awarded a further grant in recognition of the positive impacts achieved by the network since it has become established. The network is committed to work in the spirit of respectful dialogue and collaboration, as set out in the Our Common Ground Accord, to help find solutions to sustainable and integrated deer management in upland Scotland. One of the reasons for its success has been in creating the space to build relationships between the various stakeholders connected with upland deer management in Scotland.

This grant was a contribution to the CGF Gathering in September 2025 which brought together 48 practitioners from across Scotland’s deer management, forestry, conservation, and community sectors for two days of structured dialogue, shared learning, and cross-sector collaboration. Also present were representatives from NatureScot and the Scottish Government.

The event is summarised below and the full report can be found here.

Aims

The aim was to strengthen relationships, deepen understanding, and identify practical next steps for the role of the CGF in setting the course of future of sustainable deer management in upland Scotland. The four priorities that emerged were:

• Bringing young stalkers in to be part of the solution, focusing on their skills and training
• Defining and co-designing a route-map to a future for sustainable deer management, and what this means for deer managers
• Linking the Scottish government further into the discussions
• Developing a communication strategy to promote the purpose and impact of the CGF

The above conversations were framed in the context of the Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill and the consultations in which some of the CGF members were involved.

Purpose and Approach

The CGF uses a mediation-based model to support constructive conversations in a sector historically marked by conflict. The Gathering focused on reflection, open dialogue, and identifying collaborative opportunities. Participants were encouraged to ‘listen to understand,’ share insights honestly, and consider how CGF principles are influencing their daily work.

Day 1 Highlights

The Steering Group reflected on CGF’s five-year journey, emphasising progress in trust-building, cross-sector cooperation, and opening space for voices—particularly stalkers—who have often felt unheard. Subgroups provided updates on communications, forestry engagement, and the venison sector, highlighting growing alignment and shared opportunities.

Key themes included: community engagement, the role of forestry and the ‘messy middle,’ strong participation from the stalking community, and the need for clearer, more positive sector-wide messaging. A ‘hopes and fears’ exercise helped participants explore long- and short-term concerns, with strong support for diverse, mosaic land‑use approaches rather than uniform management models.

Day 2 Highlights

Discussions centred on policy changes under the Natural Environment Bill, economic pressures facing rural estates, the need for integrated funding models, and the essential role of skills, training, and youth pathways. Participants noted the importance of accessible language, improved data sharing, and appropriate use of technology across the sector.

Final Reflections

Participants described the Gathering as constructive, respectful, and energising. Key takeaways included clear progress in trust‑building, strong appetite to broaden engagement, recognition of the need to move from conversation to implementation, and a shared commitment to continued collaboration and capacity building. Continued support will enable the CGF to widen participation and maintain momentum as the sector navigates major ecological, social, and policy transitions.