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

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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.