LDNS adds value by coordinating existing effort and representation. It can provide a strong voice when further legislation is brought forward, when consultation papers require responses.
LDNS is a forum to share information internally for members, and externally for the wider public who want to see deer but know little about deer management. LDNS has an important role to play in public education and in countering negative comment.
Stakeholder engagement also provides representation on other bodies including:
The Association of Deer Management Groups, ADMG.
The Scottish Venison Association, SVA, (which includes the Scottish Quality Wild Venison assurance scheme, SQWVA).
The Deer Management Round Table, DMRT.
The Wild Deer Best Practice Working Group, WDBPWG.
There is a developing liaison with the Scottish Government Strategic Deer Board.
Currently the chairman’s interests in wildlife protection includes his role as chairman of the Partnership against Wildlife Crime, PAW, Antipoaching & Coursing Priority Group.
LDNS provides a forum for increased contact and education-building events, giving access to Best Practice advice, other training needs, and experience exchange.
Becoming a stakeholder of LDNS is free, funding is provided by NatureScot, but it requires an email to a personal stakeholder for communications to be circulated, emails can be unsubscribed at any time.