Where to buy wild venison
Wild venison is one of the Chilterns’ most sustainable local foods. As deer numbers continue to rise, careful management helps protect woodland biodiversity, resulting in a naturally healthy, high-quality meat that supports local livelihoods. We are keen to promote suppliers across the Chilterns and make it easier for people to buy responsibly sourced, local venison.
Why choose wild venison?
Wild venison offers a range of benefits for people, nature and the local economy:
- Better for the environment – naturally occurring and locally sourced, wild venison has a low carbon footprint and supports sustainable deer management, which helps woodlands regenerate and reduces pressure on sensitive habitats.
- Healthy and nutritious – high in protein, low in fat, and rich in essential vitamins and minerals, venison is a lean, flavourful alternative to other red meats.
- Supports local communities – choosing local venison supports local people, from trained stalkers, butchers, small businesses and land managers who care for the landscape.
- A truly wild, natural product – no feed, no transport, no intensive farming, just healthy deer living in the Chilterns countryside.
[link to venison blog?]
Local processing standards/food hygiene
All venison offered for sale must meet the U.K.’s food safety standards. This applies whether you supply whole carcasses, joints, or processed products like sausages or burgers.
Key points from the Food Standards Agency’s Wild Game Guide include:
- Hygienic handling from field to chiller, including prompt gralloching (removal of organs) and clean transport.
- Effective chilling between 1-7 °C to preserve quality.
- Registration as a food business if you process or sell venison to the public.
- Use of an Approved Game Handling Establishment (AGHE) if supplying large-scale retail or wholesale markets.
- Record keeping, traceability and clear labelling.
Register as a Chilterns venison supplier
If you produce, process or sell wild venison in the Chilterns and would like to be promoted through our interactive map and supplier list, simply register your details. [WHERE/HOW?]
This helps connect customers with high-quality, sustainable, locally sourced venison and supports the wider goals of nature-friendly land management across the Chilterns.