Deer Impact and Activity Survey for Woodland Creation (WCPG & EWCO)
Wildscape Deer Management provides a professional Deer Impact and Activity Survey to support woodland creation proposals under EWCO and WCPG. This service is designed for landowners, agents and consultants who need a clear, practical assessment of deer risk before new planting begins.
The purpose of the survey is simple. It establishes the likely level of pressure posed by deer on a proposed woodland creation site and provides a reasoned basis for the protective measures, management actions and funding case that may follow.
For many projects, this is not a minor supporting exercise. It is a key part of demonstrating that the site has been assessed properly and that the long-term success of the planting has been considered from the outset.
Why This Survey Matters
Young woodland is especially vulnerable to deer pressure. Where activity is underestimated, the consequences often become apparent only after planting, when browsing, fraying and repeated damage begin to compromise establishment.
A structured deer impact and activity survey helps you understand:
- which deer species are likely to affect the site
- the level and pattern of deer activity across the ground
- whether browsing pressure is already evident in the surrounding habitat
- where new planting is likely to be most vulnerable
- what mitigation or management may be required to protect the scheme
This gives landowners and project leads a clearer basis for decision-making and strengthens the wider woodland creation proposal.
Who This Service Is For
This service is suitable for:
- landowners preparing woodland creation proposals
- land agents and forestry consultants coordinating grant applications
- applicants under England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO)
- applicants using Woodland Creation Planning Grant (WCPG)
- projects where deer risk needs to be evidenced clearly and professionally
- sites in Sussex and Hampshire where browsing pressure may affect woodland establishment
What the Survey Includes
Our Deer Impact and Activity Survey is designed to provide a practical assessment of risk rather than a vague statement of concern.
The survey includes:
- deer species and activity assessment across the site and immediate context
- browsing and damage evaluation, including signs of pressure on vegetation and likely implications for young trees
- movement analysis, identifying how deer are using the land and where risk is likely to concentrate
- site-specific risk assessment, with clear observations on the likely impact of deer on the proposed planting
- practical recommendations to reduce risk and support woodland success
Where relevant, the survey may also inform the need for wider deer management measures, including links to Deer Population Control or grant-linked planning support through PA7 & CWS1 Grant: Deer Control & Management Plan Application.
How This Supports EWCO and WCPG Applications
Woodland creation schemes succeed or fail on the strength of their planning. Deer risk is one of the most obvious and most recurring threats to establishment, particularly in parts of Sussex and Hampshire where local populations are well established.
This survey helps support grant applications by:
- demonstrating that deer and mammal pressure has been considered properly
- providing site-specific evidence rather than assumptions
- identifying areas of likely vulnerability before planting begins
- supporting the case for mitigation, monitoring or wider management action
- helping present the project as realistic, informed and better prepared for delivery
It is not a substitute for every wider planning requirement, but it is often an important part of showing that the proposal has been approached seriously.
Recommended Management Responses
Where the survey identifies meaningful risk, we provide practical recommendations to help protect the woodland creation scheme.
Depending on the site, these may include:
- deer fencing to protect vulnerable planting areas
- targeted population control where local pressure is too high
- deterrents or repellents where suitable and proportionate
- long-term monitoring to check whether pressure changes over time
- referral into a wider PA7 Deer & Grey Squirrel Species Management Plan where broader structured management is required
The emphasis is always on proportionate, practical action linked to the realities of the site.
Pricing and Coverage
Fixed fee: £500
Coverage: within a 25-mile radius of Petworth, West Sussex
Beyond 25 miles: mileage charged at 45p per mile
Service area: Sussex and Hampshire only
This pricing structure is intended to remain straightforward and transparent, allowing landowners and agents to budget clearly at the planning stage.
Why Work with Wildscape Deer Management
We understand that a woodland creation proposal is more than a planting exercise. It is a financial, ecological and long-term land management commitment. Deer pressure has the potential to undermine that commitment quickly if it is not assessed honestly at the outset.
Clients use this service because they need:
- clear site-based judgement
- practical recommendations rather than vague commentary
- an assessment that supports the wider woodland creation case
- local understanding of deer behaviour across Sussex and Hampshire
- a professional service that links survey work to real-world management options
Related Services
If this survey identifies wider issues or the project needs additional support, the following pages may also be relevant:
- Deer Population Control
- PA7 Deer & Grey Squirrel Species Management Plan
- PA7 & CWS1 Grant: Deer Control & Management Plan Application
- Who We Work With
- Contact Us
Book a Survey
If you are preparing a woodland creation proposal under EWCO or WCPG and need a professional Deer Impact and Activity Survey, please us to arrange the next step.
