Deer Management in the South West “A practical forester’s view”

The status quo Wild deer are important and valued fauna Populations of all species, especially herding species are at historically high numbers Deer numbers in many landscapes are well above sustainable levels for woodland Under-managed deer are the main reason our broadleaved woodlands are not regenerating = eventual loss.

Sustainable management is possible Recovering this position requires:- partnership working at a landscape scale, following best practice. Deer management groups National Deer Initiative British Deer Society Land managers to take responsibility and control Set targets Face up to the costs / benefits

Take home message “Its not about numbers, its about damage impacts.” Impact assessment is a fundamental tool every land and conservation manager should be fully conversant.

Integrated management in practice This afternoon we will be seeing first hand what successful best practice landscape scale management can deliver with Estate Wildlife Ranger Tom Garner. Your task to take away Consider deer, grey squirrel and ash dieback impacts in the woodland and landscapes you know and love.

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