THE BDS WESSEX BRANCH
Information on the British Deer Society (BDS) Wessex branch including events, news, and contacts.
BRANCH AREA AND COMMITTEE
BRANCH CONTACTS
Chair | Dorothy Ireland | chairwessex@bds.org.uk |
Secretary | Hugh Goodman | wessex@bds.org.uk |
Treasurer | Karene Johnson | |
Range Officer | David S Davies | |
Range Officer | Terry Hoskins |
BRANCH COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Other committee members
- David Barrett,
- David Davies (Range officer),
- James Fairclough
- Trevor Hughes,
- Terry Hoskins, (Range Officer),
- Roger Ireland,
- Tony Lowry,
- Matthew Moore,
BRANCH AREAS
Postcode | Area |
BA12 – BA15 | Bath |
BH | Bournemouth |
DT | Dorchester |
GU10 – GU12 | Guildford |
GU14 | Guildford |
GU17 | Guildford |
GU21 – GU22 | Guildford |
GU26 | Guildford |
GU30 – GU35 | Guildford |
GU46 – GU47 | Guildford |
GU51 – GU52 | Guildford |
GY | Guernsey |
JE | Jersey |
PO | Portsmouth |
RG | Reading |
SL | Slough |
SN8 – SN9 | Swindon |
SO | Southampton |
SP | Salisbury |
EVENTS
Date
Event
7th March 2024
Talking Stalking Evening" organised by BASC South East
12th May 2024
Family Conservation Awareness Day at beaulieu
26-27th may 2024
Highclere show
30th July - 1st august 2024
new forest show
21st - 22nd september 2024
newbury show
See below for more details.
NEXT BDS NATIONAL EVENT
No upcoming events, please check back soon.
NEWS
Autumn Update
We’ve officially wrapped up the Wessex Branch’s show season and what a success it’s been! Particularly the 3-day New Forest Show which brought together town and country. After a lengthy hiatus we returned to Newbury Show, bringing back its agricultural theme of years past. We were HIGHLY COMMENDED throughout the whole show – a great achievement! But the best part? Despite the heavy rain, so many of you from the north part of the branch still showed your support!
We are hoping in the very near future to be going back to East Holme Ranges Dorset, which is under new management, so watch this space.
Save the date! 📅 On November 8th at 7:30 pm, join us at the Lyndhurst Community Centre for a very special event! We will have Richard Sharman discussing ‘An Introduction to Non-leaded Hunting Bullets’, PLUS our 60th Annual Branch Photographic Competition! Don’t miss out on what should be an interesting and unique evening – see you all there!
February 14th 2024, will be the Branch AGM, again at Lyndhurst Community Centre, so please come along and support your committee.
Some time ago I mentioned a work party to re-open the Aldridge Hill enclosure in the New Forest for the red deer, however, after much discussion, it would seem the deer have not used this area for some time. It was decided to put everything into Queens Meadow where the fawns and calves are usually born, with cooperation from the commoners and Forestry England. Fencing needs to be restored in some areas so funding will be needed. It is a shame about Aldridge Hill, but unless the deer are using it, it seems pointless for us to work on it.
As I understand a great number of you have passed the interviews to become a HAD in Hampshire, this is splendid news, it means the numbers should be reaching the number we started back in 2007. The BDS has also funded the yellow lights that are needed for the HADs when out at an accident, however, more funding is needed to make all of this a success. Country Watch attended a number of shows this year in Hampshire taking along new BDS accident awareness leaflets.
STAY IN TOUCH
If your contact information has changed please make sure to let us know. To update your details simply email membership@bds.org.uk or call 01425 655434.
LATEST NEWS
Plastic Pollution Threatens Deer
This article highlights the dire impact of plastic waste on wild deer globally. It urges immediate action through public education, and responsible waste management to protect deer habitats and minimise their exposure to harmful debris. The article also underscores the lesser-known danger of roadside litter to deer, emphasising the need for awareness and collective efforts to safeguard wildlife and our environment.
Together for Deer – New BDS Strategy Launched
We unveiled our new strategy, “Together for Deer,”. The strategy emphasises evidence-based approaches and collaboration among stakeholders. It focuses on Ethics & Welfare, Education & Training, and Science & Research, aiming to establish BDS as a leading authority in deer welfare and management by 2030. “Together for Deer” aims to unite efforts in safeguarding deer welfare amid complex challenges.
BDS Launches First Drone Survey Thanks to Supportive Members
We are thrilled to announce a groundbreaking moment for the BDS community: the successful launch of our first drone survey funded by last year’s award-winning Big Give campaign. This achievement has been made possible through the unwavering support and contributions of our dedicated members and supporters.