At Wildscape Deer Management, we specialise in facilitating effective deer management strategies for landowners and agents, focusing on the key requirements set out in the Woodland Supplement WS1 for Deer Control and Management. Mastery of WS1 is vital for enhancing woodland resilience, fostering biodiversity, and ensuring the structural integrity of woodlands benefits from prudent deer population control.
Comprehensive Deer Management Plan (DMP)
The cornerstone of WS1 compliance involves the creation and meticulous maintenance of a robust Deer Management Plan (DMP). Initially, this plan starts with a draft submitted alongside your application to the Rural Payments Agency (RPA), which we meticulously develop based on detailed initial assessments. Our expertise allows us to collaborate effectively with woodland officers and deer officers where required, ensuring the DMP meets the specific ecological and regulatory needs of your woodland area.
Once active, the plan provides a structured framework for all deer management activities, ensuring consistency and compliance from the start of your Countryside Stewardship agreement.
Our ongoing involvement ensures that the DMP remains responsive to changing conditions and new insights, facilitating adjustments that keep the management practices aligned with both current environmental needs and regulatory updates. This adaptive management approach is key to maintaining the effectiveness of the DMP over time, providing landowners with a dynamic tool for sustainable woodland management.
Exclosure Plots and Photographic Evidence
Implementing exclosure plots is a critical strategy in our management arsenal. These plots are established prior to the spring growing period in the first year to monitor the impact of deer on vegetation accurately. We handle the setup and continuous monitoring of these plots, systematically documenting changes through detailed surveys and comprehensive photographic evidence. This approach not only proves the direct impact of deer activity but also supports the rigorous assessment requirements of WS1.
Photographs from these plots provide clear, undeniable evidence of both the challenges posed by deer and the effectiveness of the management strategies implemented. Over time, these visual records become invaluable in illustrating the progress of vegetation recovery and the restoration of ecological balance. They serve as a powerful tool during reviews and consultations with forestry officials, offering tangible proof of the positive changes within the woodland ecosystem.
Cull Records and Habitat Surveys
Accurate cull records are paramount under WS1, necessitating meticulous documentation of deer culled and the effort expended. This is required annually at the end of April and again in December of the final year. Our systematic approach to recording these details ensures compliance and demonstrates the effectiveness of the deer management practices in place. Additionally, we conduct comprehensive habitat impact activity surveys, whose results are compiled and submitted to the Forestry Commission as part of our commitment to sustainable woodland management.
The data from these surveys provide a deep understanding of the deer’s impact on the woodland, informing future management decisions and adjustments. By providing detailed, data-driven insights into deer population dynamics and their ecological impacts, we equip landowners with the knowledge needed to manage their woodlands more effectively.
Leveraging Technology: Photography and Video Footage
At Wildscape, we leverage the power of modern technology by extensively using photography and video footage to document conditions before and after our management interventions. This not only aids in monitoring the effectiveness of our strategies but also provides compelling, tangible proof of the changes in the woodland environment due to our management practices. The ability to visually capture and share these changes plays a crucial role in stakeholder communications, enhancing transparency and supporting advocacy for sustainable deer management practices.
By integrating cutting-edge technology and traditional management practices, we offer a comprehensive and effective solution to woodland management challenges. These visual tools not only facilitate more accurate assessments but also help communicate the value and success of our management efforts to a broader audience, including conservation groups, regulatory bodies, and the general public.
Our Services
At Wildscape Deer Management, we offer a comprehensive suite of services designed to meet the rigorous requirements of the WS1 supplement. From drafting and reviewing Deer Management Plans to implementing and monitoring exclosure plots and conducting detailed ecological surveys, our expert team ensures all management activities are performed to the highest standards. Our services are tailored to enhance the ecological and structural integrity of woodlands, ensuring compliance with WS1 and contributing positively to environmental and biodiversity goals.
For detailed information on how we can assist with your WS1 Deer Control and Management Plan, please visit our dedicated page: WS1 Deer Control Management Plan Application. Engage with us today to ensure your woodland management is effective, compliant, and sustainable. With Wildscape Deer Management, you are choosing a partner committed to advancing both your woodland health and our shared environmental objectives.
