Preparing for Future Deer Management Grants: Why Acting Now Matters

At the moment, the WS1 deer control grants and other related funding streams are closed for new applicants. While this pause has caused some uncertainty, it’s widely expected that similar support schemes will reopen in the near future.

When they do, the demand from landowners and estates will be high — and that means applications will be competitive. To avoid delays or missing out, it’s essential to prepare now.

Why Plan Ahead?

When grant windows reopen, Natural England and the Rural Payments Agency will require clear evidence to support applications. This usually includes:

• Deer population surveys

• Impact assessments on crops, woodland, or habitats

• Structured deer management plans (often covering multiple years)

• Supporting documents that demonstrate both need and deliverability

Landowners who already have these in place will be in the best position to submit quickly and avoid being caught in the inevitable backlog.

How We Support Landowners

At Durnovaria Deer Management, we have first-hand experience helping farmers and estates successfully secure funding under the previous schemes. More importantly, our work doesn’t stop at the paperwork — we continue to support by:

• Carrying out regular surveys and monitoring

• Implementing targeted population control in line with agreed plans

• Providing ongoing data and reports to demonstrate compliance

• Ensuring landowners meet the requirements of stewardship or grant-funded agreements

This combination of professional deer management and clear, evidence-based reporting not only strengthens grant applications but also ensures long-term benefits for farmland, forestry, and biodiversity.

The Next Step

Although applications are not currently open, preparing now will give you a head start when they do return. If you’d like to discuss surveys, assessments, or future management planning, we can help you build a clear, professional case for support — and deliver the on-the-ground management to back it up.

Arrange a deer management survey - secure your place ahead of future funding rounds.