Scottish Forestry, which administers the grants, stressed that funding levels have not been cut. A spokesperson said: “There has not been any reduction in grant for deer fencing. “A key reason for a drop in the amount for deer fencing being claimed is that there has been less new planting overall and that will mean fewer projects that require deer fencing,” the spokesperson explained. It is for this reason Scottish Forestry recently announced a £1 million forestry grant boost to encourage more farmers and crofters into growing trees as part of their business. As the spokesperson noted: “Another reason is that many schemes are opting to go the natural regeneration route for new woodland creation.