It is estimated that a third of England’s forests – many in farmland and countryside – are now affected by deer, prompting the government to launch a new 10-year plan to protect trees, crops and wildlife habitat.
The package, announced on Friday February 20, will introduce grants, specialist support and streamlined licensing to help landowners, foresters and farmers respond more quickly to the growing impact of deer.
Ministers warn that without urgent action, excessive browsing and trampling could undermine forest creation, restoration efforts and domestic timber production.
Deer are an icon of the British countryside and play a role in healthy woodland ecosystems, but increasing populations, including invasive species, are currently putting unsustainable pressure on sensitive environments.
Overgrazing prevents the establishment of young trees, reduces the diversity of above-ground flora, and affects flowering plants needed by pollinating insects and fruit-bearing shrubs that support birds and mammals such as dormice.
The damage is also believed to be linked to the decline of the nightingale, whose population has declined by more than 90% since the 1960s due to habitat loss and changes in forest management.
Beyond forests, deer impacts are also affecting wetlands, with research in the Norfolk Lakes region showing more than 10% of rare bog habitats have been damaged.
Three of Britain’s six species of deer are invasive, adding to the challenge for land managers.
The government says current efforts are not keeping up and there is a need to prioritize more active deer management at a landscape scale and reduce reliance on fencing and tree shelters.
“Our trees and native wildlife are under tremendous pressure from deer, including non-native deer,” said Nature Minister Mary Cree.
He said the new measures would allow farmers and landowners to more effectively manage impacts, “so that forests can thrive and crops are better protected.”
“These new areas will also help restore nature, promote the homegrown timber industry and protect the millions of trees we are planting across the country,” she added.
The plan includes a dedicated deer officer to provide clearer advice, coordination and on-the-ground support, along with grants to support effective management actions.
Licensing processes will also be streamlined to eliminate red tape and allow for faster intervention, including potential changes to night shooting and closed season rules when crops, timber or habitat need to be protected.
Forestry Commission chief executive Richard Stanford said: “Deer damage is one of the biggest negative impacts on our trees and forests.”
He described the measures as “long overdue” and said the new measures would ease pressure from over-browsing and allow biodiversity to recover.
“This will allow trees and other plants to grow, restore nature and provide much-needed habitat for forest birds and other wildlife,” he said.
Alongside management measures, the government will support domestic wild venison markets and help make deer management more economically viable for land managers.
This includes supporting the UK Quality Wild Venison Standard to boost consumer confidence and considering the use of public procurement to increase consumption.
Research and innovation also form part of the strategy, including drone surveying to identify priority areas and target action more effectively across the landscape.
