Deer Management in Protected Landscapes: BDS Together for Deer Best Practice Event with North Wessex Downs National Landscape

28 November, 2024

Article by:
Andrea Barden, Marketing & Fundraising , British Deer Society

SUSTAINABLE DEER MANAGEMENT IN PROTECTED LANDSCAPES

(Please be aware this article contains images of deer carcasses being prepared for consumption, which some people may find upsetting or offensive. The British Deer Society supports the development of a more ethical and sustainable food sector in the UK in which the production of wild venison plays a key role. Learn more about wild venison.)

With generous support from the North Wessex Downs National Landscape Farming in Protected Landscapes grant (FiPL), The British Deer Society recently held a best practice deer management workshop day for land managers, farmers, conservationists, and deer managers working and living within the protected landscape area.

The morning included a series of presentations from Jemima Sellwood (North Wessex Downs Farming in Protected Landscapes Officer), Nick Rout and Rhian Tyne (BDS Training team) about ways we can work to better understand and manage our deer populations and their impacts on natural habitats and farmland at landscape scales using the most humane, informed and sustainable best practice approaches. The afternoon included a visit to Oakland Park to see examples of deer browsing impacts in woodland habitats and to tour their venison processing and larder refrigeration facilities (made by Tarrant Refrigeration).

"Another great training day from the BDS. It was also really interesting to learn more about the North Wessex Downs National Landscape and how they are working to ensure sustainable and collaborative deer management across the whole protected area. I've found training events like this to be so valuable and look forward to attending more in the future to keep expanding my knowledge."

Kate Langston

Artemis Deer Stalking

"Really pleased I was able to attend this special training event. The presentations were superb and really informative. It was also a brilliant opportunity for me to meet so many others passionate about deer and their sustainable management. I especially enjoyed the way we were encouraged to ask questions, voice our opinions and share our own experiences from managing deer."

James Fairclough

HAD volunteer

KEEN TO ATTEND A BDS BEST PRACTICE EVENT?

With the support of various partners we are planning to hold more best practice events, workshops and training days throughout 2025. These events can get booked up quickly. To be the first to hear about a new event we recommend becoming a BDS member, signing up to our e-newsletter, ‘Deerbytes’, and/or following our training page on Facebook.

INTERESTED IN HOSTING A BEST PRACTICE EVENT?

Many of our best practice events and workshops about deer and their sustainable management are made possible through partnerships with other land, environment or wildlife organisations, or from support by those working in or closely associated with deer management. If you’re an organisation interested in hosting and supporting such an event, please email info@bds.org.uk and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

THE ONLY CHARITY DEDICATED TO WILD DEER IN THE UK

As a charity dedicated to the welfare and conservation of deer across the UK, the British Deer Society relies on the generosity of supporters like you. By becoming a member or making a donation, you can directly contribute to the welfare of these magnificent animals.