The high level of deer pressure in woodlands is particularly associated with fallow deer, a herding species that indiscriminately browses crops and woods and is thought to be a major contributor to the decline in numbers of insects and birds such as nightingales.

In addition to the pressure on the environment, the increasing numbers of deer create substantial hazards for car drivers and the transmission of bovine tuberculosis by deer may occur where their densities are high.

We have a duty of care for the environment and a responsibility to help people understand the reasons why deer management plays an integral part in preserving biodiversity, protecting trees and sustaining farm crop yields.

Control of deer numbers by culling can be a sensitive subject. Managing deer in the High Weald does not call for eradication. Deer are an incredibly important part of the landscape in terms of history, amenity, recreation and economy. As land managers or stewards of the land, it is essential to understand that deer are a resource that has to be managed effectively and respectfully.

To manage deer effectively in the High Weald requires a joined-up approach. Deer are often stalked and shot on the basis of individual property boundaries. Sometimes the communication between landowner, land manager and deerstalker is minimal.

As deer are transient and do not stick to land boundaries, deer management is only effective if there is active communication across ownerships between all those involved.

Of the six species of wild deer in Britain, red and roe deer are native and fallow deer are now considered naturalised, with fallow being the most prominent species in the High Weald.

Roe deer are present throughout the High Weald although numbers are lower than average due to competitive pressure from fallow deer.

Muntjac are abundant in certain areas, particularly in dense rhododendron cover, and there are small groups of red deer and sika. Muntjac pose a serious threat to woodland diversity and should be managed accordingly, although fallow deer at lower population levels are considered non-detrimental if management is continuous.

The High Weald AONB Partnership, in conjunction with the Woodland Trust, is bringing landowners and deer stalkers together to form local deer management groups. Through these groups, we aim to facilitate the sharing of knowledge regarding deer in the area and to provide information on best practice, local deer issues, and rural crime issues.

Where there is consensus to coordinate deer management via a deer management group, landowners and deer managers can agree to support each other with common land management objectives such as controlling deer numbers to support woodland diversity. In addition to sharing knowledge, shared resources are also being promoted, for example use of chillers, larders and thermal cameras.

There is also funding available through the Farming in Protected Landscapes programme for deer management projects. Read more and submit an enquiry for an initial discussion.