Unlocking Antlers? An Evaluation of an Environmental Mediation Process in Scotland Based on Direct Observation

ABSTRACT Environmental conflicts are increasing as is interest in ways they can be managed. However, evaluations of Environmental Conflict Resolution (ECR) processes based on direct observation remain scarce, despite ECR existing for over half a century. Furthermore, there are few evaluations of ECR processes that have been conducted outside of the United States, which limits understanding about the different contextual applications of ECR. These significant shortcomings hamper the generation of practical and knowledge‐based learning, as well as theory building in ECR. To address this, we use a subset of criteria from the ECR literature pertaining to (1) outcomes, (2) process, and (3) relationships to assess data generated through direct observation of an environmental mediation process, alongside interviews and surveys of participants, focused on ameliorating conflict over upland deer management in Scotland. Our results indicate that mediation fostered positive relationships, was generally procedurally effective but achieved limited tangible outcomes. We then provide some longer‐term reflections on the mediation process, discuss the strengths and limitations of our criteria, and note lessons from our experience conducting an evaluation of an ECR process. We conclude by calling for more evaluations of ECR processes based on direct observation to be conducted to build understanding of effective practice.