Ben Bradshaw, Minister for Nature Conservation, today launched a new strategy and action plan for the sustainable management of wild deer in England.
This new strategy unifies a range of policy initiatives working towards a common goal - the sustainable management of wild deer and the protection of England's native biodiversity.
The strategy and action plan were developed after public consultation carried out by Defra and the Forestry Commission and will, for the first time in 100 years, provide a coherent framework for wild deer management, setting out the role and responsibilities of Government, while keeping the primary responsibility for deer control with landowners and deer managers.
The wild deer population has been increasing rapidly in the last 40 years and may now be higher than at any time in the last 1000 years. There is considerable and increasing evidence of some negative impacts of deer at various localities across the country. This damage can take the form of browsing of vegetation -which can reduce the nature conservation value of woodlands and in some cases Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) or cause losses to agricultural crops. Wild deer have also contributed to problems of human injuries and animal welfare through traffic accidents. Evidence has also shown that deer carry Lyme's disease which is transmitted by ticks and can cause disease in humans.
Ben Bradshaw said:
"Wild deer are beautiful animals and an important part of our cultural landscape and natural heritage. With careful and sustainable management, landowners and deer managers will be able to control the impact that the increasing numbers of wild deer are having on our native biodiversity, while conserving and protecting both the countryside and its wildlife, including native deer."
The strategy sets out the work which the Defra, the Forestry Commission England, English Nature, the Rural Development Service and the Countryside Agency intend to take over the next 3 years, in to encourage and support the sustainable management of wild deer in England.
Source: DEFRA