Deer (Species) Management Plan for Countryside Stewardship (CWS1)
At Wildscape Deer Management, we offer comprehensive Deer (Species) Management Plan (DMP) services to estates and landowners aiming to meet the requirements of Countryside Stewardship (CS), particularly the Higher Tier CWS1 Supplementary Deer Grant. Our plans are developed in line with UKFS and UKWAS guidelines, ensuring you not only fulfil grant obligations but also enhance woodland health and biodiversity.
How the Grant Works
- CWS1 Grant: Provides £105 per hectare (ha) per year for estates demonstrating effective deer control. By the end of the first year, estates must have a Deer Management Plan in place if deer control is identified in the woodland management plan.
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PA7 Grant: Under the Species Management Plan option (PA7), you can claim towards the cost of creating or updating a deer management plan. This financial support helps cover professional advice, surveys, and strategic planning. Funding available from £204.79 per type of species per approved plan to a maximum of £1023.95 per approved plan.
If you require a deer impact survey for Woodland Creation please click here.
Evidence Required
By the end of Year 1, a suitable deer management plan must be submitted. Ongoing monitoring is essential, with records (e.g., cull numbers, deer exclusion plots, and photographic evidence) reviewed at Years 3 and 5. We can assist you every step of the way—from plan creation to evidence collection—so you remain fully compliant, please note this is offered part of a fully managed service.
Our Deer Management Plan Service
Initial Assessment
- Population & Impact Analysis: We conduct a detailed survey of the current deer population and assess the level of browsing damage.
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Habitat Evaluation: Understanding carrying capacity and how deer presence influences woodland structure, ground flora, and other key features.
Objective Setting
- Collaborative Goal Alignment: We define realistic targets that align with your estate’s broader objectives—whether commercial, conservation, or a mix of both.
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Short & Long-Term Focus: Objectives might include immediate cull strategies and longer-term habitat restoration.
Documentation & Reporting
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Grant Compliance: We provide all necessary documentation, from initial surveys to year-end reports, as outlined by the Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CWS1) requirements.
Benefits of Our Service
- Grant Compliance & Funding: Meet the demands of CWS1 and potentially utilise the PA7 grant to offset the cost of professional deer management planning.
Pricing and Coverage
Our Deer Management Plan starts from £950 within a 25-mile radius of Petworth, West Sussex. For areas beyond this, a mileage subsidy of 45p per mile will apply (please note service limited to Sussex & Hampshire).
Why Choose Wildscape Deer Management?
- Local Expertise: With extensive knowledge of deer behaviour in the South East, we can tailor solutions to the specific challenges your project may face.
- Regulatory Compliance: Our survey process ensures full compliance with the requirements of woodland creation grants, helping you secure funding.
- Ethical Management: We uphold the highest standards of wildlife management, balancing the needs of your woodland with ecological responsibility.
Ready to get started?
Contact Wildscape Deer Management to learn how our Deer Management Plan services, coupled with grant opportunities like CWS1 and PA7, can help you safeguard your woodland, secure financial support, and promote sustainable stewardship practices. We’ll guide you step-by-step, ensuring you’re fully equipped to meet both regulatory requirements and your own land management objectives.
