blood and heather

In the heart of Scotland’s wild and beautiful landscapes, a crisis is quietly unfolding—one that’s transforming woodlands, draining peatlands, and challenging the nation’s most ambitious climate goals. Blood and Heather is a gripping and visually rich documentary that dives deep into the issue of deer overpopulation in Scotland, and the ecological damage it's causing to forests, biodiversity, and rural life.

With deer numbers now exceeding one million, and no natural predators left to keep them in check, Scotland’s native ecosystems are under siege. From barren glens stripped of young trees to carbon-rich peatlands eroded by constant trampling, the environmental impact is undeniable—but the solutions are anything but simple.

Featuring powerful contributions from land management expert Bruce Sewell, and practical insight from experienced stalker Paul Bekier, the film sheds light on the emotional, ethical, and political tensions surrounding deer management in Scotland. From the old traditions of Highland sporting estates to the new wave of rewilding and climate restoration, Blood and Heather challenges viewers to rethink the relationship between people, land, and wildlife in a changing world.