FENCES erected to keep deer out of BrewDog's Scottish tree-planting project have actually trapped the animals inside, an inspection report found.
The beer giant’s planting project has been plagued with controversy and the company made headlines after it emerged that in 2023 around half of the trees planted in the Lost Forest at Kinrara estate, near Aviemore, had died.
In a bid to help the surviving trees in the estate flourish, the Aberdeenshire-based firm erected fences to keep deer out.
However, according to a report seen by The National through a Freedom of Information request, BrewDog have inadvertently fenced in the very animals they were hoping to keep out.
According to one of the inspectors for Scottish Forestry, there was evidence of deer tracks and signs the animals had been feeding inside the fence's perimeter.
They said in the report: “The scheme was well protected by a perimeter fence.
“However, the applicant will need to manage deer which have been fenced in (evident from tracks and browsing).”
Concluding, it later added: "The scheme was found to be well protected by a perimeter deer fence in good condition.
"However deer management is needed within the fenceline as deer prints and browsing was evident."
BrewDog had set out to plant around one million trees on the estate after purchasing the land in 2020, claiming it would help remove twice as much carbon from the environment as the firm emits.
Figures released alongside the FOI show BrewDog is to receive a total of £2.7 million worth of public money as the beer giant is to replace the dead saplings recorded in the inspection.
Scottish Forestry confirmed £1.1m had already been received by the firm, with a further £1.6m agreed for a second, separate stage of planting.
The Scottish Government agency added it was a requirement for the firm to replace lost trees and that the last site visit indicated that this has taken place.
Scottish Forestry said grants paid to date went towards the costs of establishment of trees, fencing, initial planting and annual maintenance of the forest.
According to the report, there was a 50% to 56% estimate for Scots Pine mortality by September last year, and inspectors noted saplings in areas where birch was planted had died.
BrewDog founder James Watt (below) had previously said, “our partners have estimated that around 50 per cent of the 500,000 saplings planted did not survive their first 12 months”.
In other areas, tree mortality was reported to be as high as 95%.
The report stated: "The scheme unfortunately displayed a high level of seedling mortality with 50-95% mortality recorded.
"The works done, including planting density are up to contract standard however a major beat up is required to maintain stocking density going forward."
BrewDog is reported to have said 80% of lost saplings have already been replaced, with the remaining 20% to be planted during the next available planting season.
It is also claimed it will extend planting further.
BrewDog has stated that it has taken extensive environmental and ecological surveys and worked with local deer management groups.
The firm has also said it conducts regular monitoring and fence checks.
