FC Conference: Managing Deer Across the English Landscape

3 October, 2024

Article by:
David McAuley, Chief Executive Officer, British Deer Society

Forestry Commission Conference: Managing Deer Across the English Landscape

On Tuesday, 2nd October, a small team from the British Deer Society (BDS) attended the Forestry Commission’s conference on managing deer across the English landscape. Held at the picturesque Old Thorns Hotel and Resort in Liphook, Hampshire, the event attracted 280 delegates from across the UK. Attendees represented a wide range of sectors involved in deer management, including professionals from both the public and private sectors, foresters, consultants, researchers, academics, and business leaders.

This third best-practice event focused on deer management proved to be the most diverse and informative yet. The morning sessions featured a variety of insightful presentations, beginning with a look into drone technology by Ben Harrower, followed by deer management insights from the RSPB.

A compelling discussion on bovine tuberculosis, led by Peter Green, was a particular highlight. Dr Lucy Jerabkova shared fascinating research on deer stomach contents, shedding light on the grazing habits of certain deer species.

Professor Naomi Sykes from the University of Exeter introduced the Fair Game project and shared her research on the history of fallow deer. The morning concluded with David Hooton’s update on the British Quality Wild Venison scheme. Delegates then enjoyed a venison lunch provided by Highland Game, with vegetarian options also available.

The afternoon sessions opened with an update on the iDeer project from Dr Rebecca Spake, University of Reading. Robin Rigg and Richard Morley of The Wolves and Human Foundation gave an intriguing talk, followed by a comprehensive presentation on deer licensing by Rodney Calvery. The event concluded with an update from Doug Knox of Forestry and Land Scotland, who shared insights into ongoing deer management initiatives in Scotland.

Key takeaways from the conference included:

The breadth of ongoing work in the deer sector, highlighting the importance of innovation and research.
Valuable lessons from Scotland’s progress and initiatives in deer management, raising the question of what we can learn from our northern neighbours.
Concerns over potential changes to deer seasons and how this could impact effective management.
A resounding call for increased collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the continued success of deer management efforts.

The conference underscored the importance of diverse perspectives and the need for ongoing dialogue. Although challenging questions arose during the Q&A sessions, there was a strong sense of commitment to overcoming differences and achieving shared goals for deer conservation and management.

We extend our congratulations to Alastair Boston and the Forestry Commission team for organising such a successful and impactful event. It was a powerful reminder that the key to understanding and managing our iconic deer species lies in cooperative efforts and a willingness to listen, learn, and act together.

passionate about protecting deer

If you are passionate about protecting deer populations and supporting sustainable deer management practices, consider joining the British Deer Society (BDS). Your membership helps fund vital research, educational initiatives, and conservation efforts across the UK.

Alternatively, you can make a donation to help us continue our work.
Together, we can make a difference.