The Second World War was a time of great upheaval, not only for the human populations but also for wildlife and their habitats. The war had a profound impact on the natural environment, some of which are still being understood today. Among the wildlife greatly affected were the deer populations in the United Kingdom, whose habitats were altered significantly.
Impact on Deer Populations:
The years following the Second World War saw a noticeable increase in wild deer populations across the UK. The war's aftermath revealed that wild deer were more numerous than previously thought, with a significant impact on post-war agricultural food production. The methods used for deer control during this period were haphazard and, by today's standards, inhumane. Many deer were left injured, while others were killed regardless of species, age, or sex. The lack of a close season to protect nursing females led to a common occurrence of orphaned offspring. This haphazard approach to deer control led to the establishment of the British Deer Society in 1963, aiming to address deer conservation and lobby for better deer management practices1.
Deer Parks During WWII:
The concept of deer parks dates back to many centuries, serving as enclosed areas for keeping deer for hunting and recreational purposes. During WWII, the conditions of deer parks in the UK were likely impacted significantly. However, detailed information on their state during this period is scant. It's plausible that the war efforts, which required vast amounts of resources and land, may have encroached upon or even requisitioned these deer parks for military use or agricultural production to support the war effort.
Post-War Recovery:
In the post-war era, the revival of deer parks and the management of burgeoning deer populations became an essential aspect of restoring the ecological balance. The establishment of the British Deer Society was a step towards fostering better deer management practices and ensuring the conservation of deer and their habitats. The society played a pivotal role in lobbying for humane deer control methods and promoting the importance of deer in the British ecological landscape.
Agricultural Impact:
The increased deer density led to substantial damage to agriculture. A study by White and his team estimated the medium threshold landscape densities for deer damage to agriculture, indicating that crop damage is closely associated with deer density2. The burgeoning deer populations, now freely roaming and foraging, posed challenges to farmers whose lands bore the brunt of deer foraging activities.
Conclusion:
The interaction between human activities, especially during wartime, and wildlife populations presents a fascinating insight into the resilience and adaptability of both wildlife and their habitats. The experience from WWII and its aftermath underscored the importance of a balanced approach to wildlife management. It highlighted the need for establishing informed and humane practices to ensure the sustainability of wildlife populations and their habitats, a legacy that continues to shape wildlife conservation efforts in the UK to this day.
