Why deer management matters in the Chilterns
Of the six deer species found in the U.K., only red and roe are native. The remaining four species – fallow, muntjac, sika and Chinese water deer – are invasive. Four of these six species are found in the Chilterns: roe, fallow, muntjac and Chinese water deer.
Why are there so many deer?
The landscape of the Chilterns, like much of southern England, provides abundant food sources year-round; woodland plants, grasses, hedgerows and crop fields, and with no naturally occurring predators, deer populations can grow quickly. The addition of milder winters makes survival easier, and so more deer go on to reproduce.
Because the landscape is divided between many different landowners, deer management becomes more complex and requires coordination.
Herd of Fallow deer (Credit Zoltan Tasi)
Current situation in the Chilterns
(stats on numbers from the surveys? Infographic/map?)
Why is it a problem?
A single adult fallow deer can eat 5kg of vegetation in a day, and so when deer numbers rise too high, the impact on the landscape becomes widespread.
Woodlands come under increasing pressure as deer browse heavily on plants beneath the tree canopy (the understorey), removing young trees, shrubs (like brambles), and wildflowers. This limits natural regeneration, reduces nesting and feeding opportunities for other wildlife, and decreases woodland biodiversity. Native bluebells, iconic to the Chilterns’ ancient woodlands, are particularly at risk, as invasive deer like muntjac readily eat them despite their bitter taste – a defence that works against native deer species.
Fallow deer (Credit Nick Fewings)
In other areas, large herds of fallow deer can cause significant crop damage by trampling or over-grazing fields, especially those near woodland edges. Reduced agricultural yields can negatively impact a farm’s income.
In many rural areas of the U.K. deer pose a road safety risk, particularly in the winter months. Rising deer populations can lead to more road collisions, posing risks to both drivers and the deer themselves. (stats from police here?)
Without proper management deer populations can increase beyond what the habitat can sustain. This can lead to deer welfare issues like starvation and the spread of disease.
What is CNL doing?
Management isn’t about removing deer; it’s about keeping numbers at a level the landscape can support.
The Chilterns National Landscape is working with local landowners to:
- XXX
- XXX
- Survey
- Promote local venison as a sustainable red meat alternative. Link to venison blog or venison subpage?