OUR MISSION
We educate and inspire everyone about deer.
We highlight the importance of evidence-based deer management.
We champion deer welfare relentlessly and place at the heart of everything we do.
WHAT WE DO
The BDS carries out a diverse range of activities at both local and national levels, as well as behind the scenes. We are here to advise everyone, from members of the public to politicians and policy makers.
The aim of all our work is to establish a strong future for wild deer in the UK.
This is a future where wild deer are valued and respected, face minimal threats to their welfare, thrive in harmony with their environment, and support a more ethical, sustainable food sector.
Across our website you can enjoy a wealth of free information, advice, and educational resources about deer in the UK. Learn how to identify a deer, explore our deer species pages, and find out what to do if you find a baby deer alone. We also carry out educational activities across the UK with the help of our dedicated volunteers.
UK deer face many hazards, from vehicles to off-lead dogs. Reducing and preventing these hazards can only be achieved through raising awareness, research, and by taking or encouraging practical action. . You can help us speak up for deer by sharing our resources and advice.
Our wild deer population is an asset to the UK that needs to be valued and respected. Whilst management is essential to maintaining healthy deer populations that are in balance with their environment, it is vital that all management strategies and policy are based on sound scientific evidence and adhere to best practice methods.
Recording data about deer, their numbers, where they are found, the hazards they face, as well as their potential positive and negative impacts on other wildlife, agriculture, habitat restoration and reforestation projects are all essential to protecting. Such data helps to secure their welfare while guiding policy and sustainable management. You can visit our deer monitoring pages for opportunities to get involved with a survey.
Scientific research is fundamental to deciding on measures that can then be used successfully to reduce or prevent the impact of various hazards to deer welfare. Extensive and rigorous science can also be used to inform policy and legislation on welfare and management. For these reasons we encourage, support, fund and conduct a variety of deer and deer-related research projects across the country.
Managing deer sustainably while following humane best practices requires numerous skills including excellent marksmanship, an in-depth knowledge of deer biology, ecology and behaviour, and a full understanding of the law in relation to deer. We provide introductory and advanced training in deer management to ensure that the highest possible standards are maintained in the sector.
