What is England's new plan for managing its deer population?

England has launched a 10-year strategy to manage its exploding deer population, which includes identifying priority culling areas and streamlining licensing for shooting.

How many deer are there in Britain and what impact do they have?

There are thought to be over two million deer in Britain, damaging one third of English woodlands and costing farmers up to £100,000 annually in crop losses.

Will the new deer management plan help promote venison consumption?

Yes, the plan aims to promote a domestic market for venison from culled deer, encouraging its use in public institutions and supporting food charities.

Home / Environment / England's deer numbers explode, plan to cull millions

England's deer numbers explode, plan to cull millions

20 Feb

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Summary

Over two million deer are thought to inhabit Britain.
Deer have damaged one third of English woodlands.
Annual crop losses due to deer cost farmers £100,000.

England's deer numbers explode, plan to cull millions

England is implementing a comprehensive 10-year strategy to address a significant explosion in its deer population, which now exceeds two million individuals.

This overpopulation poses a severe threat to native woodlands, with an estimated one-third now in "unfavourable condition" due to excessive grazing and trampling. Farmers also face substantial financial losses, with some estates reporting up to £100,000 annually in crop damage.

The government's new plan aims to identify national priority areas for focused culling and simplify licensing procedures for shooting, especially during night-time and closed seasons. This aims to empower landowners and farmers to more effectively protect crops and timber.

Conservationists welcome the initiative, noting the dramatic increase in deer numbers since the 1970s. The plan also seeks to promote a domestic market for venison from culled deer, encouraging its use in schools, prisons, and hospitals, and supporting food poverty charities.

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