New deer management plan aims to reduce damage to England's woodlands

The government announced a 10-year Deer Impacts Policy Statement to help landowners, foresters and farmers manage deer damage; officials say about one-third of England's woodlands are affected by deer impacts.

The government has announced a 10-year plan to reduce deer impacts on woodlands across England. Officials say about one-third of woodlands are affected by deer damage, which prevents young trees establishing and degrades habitat. The package is presented as support for landowners, foresters and farmers to carry out more effective, landscape-scale deer management. Key facts: - A Deer Impacts Policy Statement was published with measures intended to give land managers tools and support to act more effectively across landscapes. - Officials report an estimated one-third of England's woodlands suffer deer damage, affecting young trees, ground flora and some wetland habitats (surveys cited more than 10% of rare fen habitat in the Norfolk Broads as impacted). - Announced measures include support for the domestic wild venison market to offset management costs, research into surveying methods (including the use of drones), and commitments to deer management plans on publicly owned land and identification of national priority areas. Summary: The plan aims to reduce deer pressure so woodlands and associated species can recover and to support domestic timber and wider nature recovery goals. Further implementation details and timelines beyond the announcement were not specified.