Deer Management
A collaborative approach to sustainable deer and land management, supporting woodland recovery, local enterprise, and shared learning.
The Surrey Hills are home to some of Englandโs most beautiful woodlandsโand managing deer populations is key to keeping them healthy. This collaboration brings together estates, landowners, and local partners to support sustainable land management, woodland regeneration, and the responsible use of natural resources. Venison, a delicious and nutritious meat, is at the heart of this effort: low in fat, high in protein, and sourced locally, itโs a brilliant choice for both people and the planet.
Choosing venison helps support a balanced ecosystem, healthier deer populations, and flourishing woodlands. It is also:
- Rich in essential vitamins and minerals
- High source of protein and nutritional value
- Sustainable and supports our ecosystems
- Part of caring for the countryside
- It is estimated that the deer population in the UK is now around 2 million and with no natural predators, their numbers are rising fast.
- High deer populations can damage woodlands, newly planted trees and hedges, making it harder for other plants and animals to thrive, as well as causing extensive damage to crops on farmland.
- Small herds can munch through up to 250kg of crops, bark and bushes in just one day!
- Sustainable culling ensures healthy herds and a balanced ecosystem โ without it, deer can suffer from overpopulation and food shortages.
As part of a wider effort across the forestry and farming industries, we are working in partnership with a range of organisations to look at the most effective ways to utilise this fantastic natural resource as a healthy part of our diets, whilst reducing the amount of waste due to the current complexity of processing wild venison for human consumption.
