Learn More About Our Deer Management Partnerships for Conservation & Wildlife Organisations

Deer Management for Conservation Across the South West

We manage more than deer. By looking at soil health, key indicator species, habitat structure, carbon capture, and ecological interactions, we ensure every intervention supports the whole ecosystem. Our approach protects biodiversity, strengthens natural processes, and prevents the cascading impacts that unsustainable deer populations can cause.

Woodland Deer Management for Biodiversity

• Protect ancient woodland indicator species and understory vegetation.

• Reduce over-browsing to maintain multi-trophic interactions and forest ecosystem resilience.

Wetland Deer Management & Habitat Protection

• Prevent damage to sensitive wetland flora and maintain key indicator species populations.

• Support amphibians, aquatic invertebrates, and plant communities dependent on wetland structure.

Downland & Grassland Deer Control

• Manage grazing pressure to preserve rare chalk grassland species and pollinator habitats.

• Maintain floral diversity and prevent soil erosion from over-browsing.

Heathland & Moorland Deer Management

• Protect specialist species such as heather-dependent invertebrates and birds.

• Reduce overgrazing to maintain habitat structure and natural regeneration.

Ecosystem-Focused Approach

• Soil & Habitat Health – monitoring and support for soil, vegetation, and habitat structure.

• Key Indicator Species – protection and restoration of native plants, invertebrates, and wildlife.

• Trophic Cascade Mitigation – preventing cascading ecological impacts from overpopulation.

• Carbon Capture & Nutrient Cycling – actions designed to support long-term ecosystem

  resilience.

Animal Handling & Ethical Standards

• Inspected & Professionally Handled – all culled animals managed by trained staff.

• Purpose-Built Larder Facility– carcasses stored safely before entering the local food chain, minimising waste and utilising biological surplus.

• Lead-Free Ammunition – used at all times to prevent ground contamination.

• Strict Biosecurity – procedures in place for inspection, hygiene, contamination prevention (disinfection procedures inline with APHA guidance) and unlikely event of containment of notifiable disease.

• Viscera Disposal – agreed with site managers; some sites request left for scavengers or to return vital nutrients, always inspected and managed discreetly.

• Trained Personnel – DSC1, DSC2, and Advanced Deer Management (Lantra) qualified.

• Tracking Dogs – available for all management activities in the unlikely event follow up is required.

Planning & Compliance

• Risk Assessments & Method Statements (RAMS) – submitted to relevant stakeholders and reviewed regularly to ensure best practice.

• Tailored Strategies – every habitat and conservation objective is considered in planning.