Deer Management & Population Control
At the essence of Wildscape Deer Management is our thorough understanding of the complex relationship between nature and human activities. Deer, as integral members of our ecosystem, sometimes necessitate management to ensure the health and balance of our countryside.
Our approach to deer population management is crafted from a place of ecological knowledge, ethical responsibility, and aligned with the interests of landowners and local communities. Through our services, we aim to address the challenges posed by deer populations while preserving the natural harmony and supporting the objectives of landowners.
Grasping the Necessity
The United Kingdom is a haven for a robust deer population, standing at an approximate 2 million. The annual population increment of about 600,000 between May and June mirrors a flourishing deer community. Nevertheless, an unregulated deer population may overburden natural resources and tilt the ecological balance, leading to habitat degradation alongside conflicts with other wildlife and human endeavours. Over the years, the deer population has witnessed a substantial upsurge, thereby necessitating judicious and effective control strategies to maintain nature’s fragile equilibrium.
Species of Deer in Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire
The UK's diverse deer populations bring a unique set of challenges and opportunities for land management across the regions. In Sussex, Surrey, and Hampshire, the predominant deer species are Fallow, Roe, and Muntjac, each with their unique behaviours and impacts on the environment.
- Fallow Deer are known for their social behaviour, usually found in groups, and can significantly impact vegetation and tree regeneration due to their grazing habits. Their presence in sizeable numbers can lead to overgrazing, affecting the ecological balance and the health of woodland areas.
- Roe Deer, on the other hand, are more solitary or seen in small family groups. They too have a notable effect on vegetation, particularly on young trees and shrubs which can impact woodland regeneration and biodiversity.
- Muntjac, although smaller in size, can have a considerable impact due to their preference for ground-level vegetation and their ability to populate quickly. Their browsing habits can hinder the growth of understory vegetation, affecting habitat for other wildlife and altering woodland structure.
The management of deer populations is crucial to mitigate these impacts and support the ecological and land use objectives within these regions. It's about striking a balance – ensuring deer populations are managed sustainably, while also supporting the broader ecosystem and landowner objectives. At Wildscape Deer Management, we tailor our management strategies to the specific deer species and the local contexts of Sussex, Surrey, and Hampshire.
Time Scale for Noticeable Difference
The timeline to witness a noticeable difference in deer population control can vary broadly depending on the measures employed and the specific ecological and social context. While culling can yield immediate results in reducing deer numbers, measures like habitat management are likely to have a more gradual impact over several years. Most of our deer management plans span a duration of 5 years, with reviews conducted at the end of years 1, 3, and 5.
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Contact us
We provide a specialised service in deer management and population control tailored for landowners and rural businesses seeking to maintain day-to-day control of their farm, while having access to expert advice for addressing deer-related challenges, whether they are operational, strategic, or financial.
Our team of experienced professionals is well-versed in delivering proactive, high-quality advice to navigate the intricacies of deer population management. Our service is particularly beneficial in situations where deer populations intersect with land usage, third-party infrastructure projects, or generational land transitions.
