THE BDS NORTH EAST BRANCH
Information on the British Deer Society (BDS) North East England branch including events, news, and contacts.
BRANCH AREA AND COMMITTEE
BRANCH CONTACTS
| Vice-Chairs | Stephen Hyde and David Boyson | |
| Secretary | Neil Baker | northeastengland@bds.org.uk |
| Treasurer | *vacant* | |
| RCO | Jonathan Spencer | |
| Muntjac coordinator | Ian Smales |
BRANCH COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Vice Chairs; Stephen Hyde and David Boyson
Secretary; Neil Baker
Treasurer; Vacant
Committee; David Adams; Jeremy Feggeter; Jonathon Spencer; Ian Smales (Muntjac Monitoring co-ordinator)
BRANCH AREAS
| Postcode | Area |
| DH | Durham |
| DL | Darlington |
| NE | Newcastle-upon-Tyne |
| SR | Sunderland |
| TS | Cleveland |
EVENTS
Date
EVENT
5th October 2024
branch members meeting
7th December 2024
branch members meeting
12th april 2025
branch agm
NEWS
Looking Back at 2024
Last year was a busy one for the North East branch, with a range of activities and events bringing members together to share knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm for deer management and conservation.
We were disappointed not to attend the Wolsingham Show in 2024 due to the absence of a rural sports marquee. Our thoughts remain with Dave Owens, who usually organises this section but was unable to do so due to health issues – we wish him a full and speedy recovery.
Despite this, our branch chairman attended the St John’s Chapel Show on 31st August, alongside committee member David Adams, who also represented the UK Squirrel Accord. We had a great time engaging with the public and BDS members, and we extend our thanks to the organisers for accommodating us at short notice.
In June, we hosted a well-attended branch gathering at Whalton Village Hall. Our branch secretary delivered a talk on rifle cleaning and maintenance, which sparked a valuable discussion with attendees. The branch chairman also provided an insightful talk on the care and cleaning of binoculars – an often-overlooked but essential piece of equipment for any stalker.
Another highlight of the year was our visit to Raby Castle deer park, where members enjoyed a guided tour of the estate and deer larder, led by head stalker Ian Alexander.
Get Involved in 2025
We are always keen to hear from members about what events and activities you’d like to see this year. If you have any suggestions for branch meetings, guest speakers, or practical demonstrations, please get in touch with our secretary.
For further details or to get involved, please contact our branch secretary: Neil Baker – northeastengland@bds.org.uk
We look forward to seeing you at an event soon!
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
BDS Hot Topic Discussion Panels at The Stalking Show 2025
Join us at the dedicated stage in the Sandylands Centre at The Stalking Show 2025 for two expert-led panels, hosted by BDS Chairman Hugh van Cutsem. These sessions will tackle some of the most challenging issues in deer management today — expect lively debate, fresh insights, and time for audience questions.
Pioneering Venison Initiative in Scotland
A pioneering initiative in Scotland is tackling both deer overpopulation and food insecurity by distributing sustainably sourced venison to food banks. The project, led by organisations like Fair Feast, processes venison from responsibly culled deer, providing a nutritious and locally sourced food option while supporting conservation efforts. This innovative approach helps restore natural habitats, manage wildlife responsibly, and offer high-quality protein to communities in need.
A Life Among Deer: Reflections from the Countryside – Part One
Barry Luckhurst’s lifelong connection to the countryside has shaped his deep understanding of deer and wildlife management. In this first instalment of A Life Among Deer, Barry reflects on his early experiences, from growing up surrounded by rural traditions to his first encounters with deer at Mersham Hatch Estate. With a keen eye for detail and an insatiable thirst for knowledge, he explores the intricacies of deer behaviour, the impact of weather on wildlife, and the delicate balance of conservation. This article offers a fascinating glimpse into the lessons learned from a lifetime in the field.
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