THE BDS YORKSHIRE BRANCH
Information on the British Deer Society (BDS) Yorkshire branch including events, news, and contacts.
BRANCH AREA AND COMMITTEE

BRANCH CONTACTS
Chair | Morris Charlton | chairyorkshire@bds.org.uk |
Secretary | Darren Harford | yorkshire@bds.org.uk |
Branch Comms | Simon Turpin | yorkshire@bds.org.uk |
Treasurer | Andrew Gardner | |
Training Officer | Ronnie Christie |
Committee Members:
Tony Charlton,
Jeff Gibson,
Kev Heppell,
Ross Cook,
Craig McNeil,
Simon Crook,
Robin Ludlow,
Roy Clarke,
Ian Donaldson.
BRANCH AREAS
Postcode | Area |
BD | Bradford |
DN | Doncaster |
HD | Huddersfield |
HG | Harrowgate |
HU | Hull |
HX | Halifax |
LS | Leeds |
S | Sheffield |
WF | Wakefield |
YO | York |
EVENTS
Date
EVENT
27th March 2025
AGM - Online
8 – 11 July 2025
The Great Yorkshire Show
See the news section below for more details.
NEWS
The Yorkshire Branch had a busy and varied 2024, with a strong focus on education, practical skills, and deer observation.
BUTCHERY COURSE
In October, Simon Crook and Andy Gardner, supported by Tony Charlton, ran a well-attended butchery course. Feedback was outstanding, with even experienced attendees picking up new techniques. We hope to run more courses this year if we can coordinate suitable dates.
HAREWOOD RUT WALK
Ian Donaldson and Simon Turpin led a popular rut walk at Harewood, where 30 participants enjoyed spectacular views of fallow and red deer in action. The group was truly international, with visitors from France, Israel, China, Japan, and Yorkshire! The striking black fallow buck remains a highlight for those visiting the estate.

EDUCATION OUTREACH
We worked with Countryside Learning to deliver educational activities at Ledston, Wentworth, Kildale, and Abbeystead Estates. Over 2,000 children took part, learning about deer, pond dipping, and even making bird feeders. A huge thank you to Rhian Tyne from BDS Training for her support at Wentworth and Ledston, and to Robin Ludlow for his continued dedication to these education days.
LOOKING AHEAD
We’re excited to announce plans for a hands-on venison butchery workshop, with dates to be shared soon.
Thanks to everyone for your continued support—we look forward to an even busier year ahead!
Morris Charlton, Chairman, Yorkshire Branch

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

Take One Minute to Vote – Help HAD Volunteers Help Deer in Dire Need
Take one minute to vote for The British Deer Society and help Humane Animal Dispatch (HAD) volunteers continue their vital work for deer in dire need. Your nomination in the Movement for Good Awards could secure £5,000 for essential safety equipment—at no cost to you.

The British Deer Society Welcomes CFMOTO UK as an Official Partner
We are excited to announce that CFMOTO UK has joined The British Deer Society as an official partner! Renowned for their high-quality, reliable, and great-value ATVs and UTVs, CFMOTO is already a popular choice among the farming community. With their commitment to safety and support for rural industries, they are a perfect fit for our network.

A Big BDS Welcome to Game Larder by Tarrant Refrigeration
The British Deer Society (BDS) is delighted to announce a new partnership with Game Larder by Tarrant Refrigeration. With a Royal Warrant and decades of expertise Tarrant Refrigeration is a trusted leader in bespoke game larders and refrigeration solutions.