The High Weald has a long association with wild deer. The native species of red and roe deer have been resident since the end of the last Ice Age and non-native species such as fallow were imported to stock deer parks for hunting and food, leaving a cultural legacy which can be seen in the landscape today. Wild deer are impressive to look at, loved by many, and can be of benefit to the environment in some circumstances.

Unfortunately, the extinction of their natural predators (bears, wolves and lynx) by humans means that there is no natural control of their numbers. Deer thrive in the High Weald's landscape mosaic of small fields, woodlands and hedgerows. The increase in food sources such as autumn-sown crops and milder winter temperatures mean that deer pressure on woodlands has become extreme in some areas.

What problems are caused by excessive numbers of deer?

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.

Without natural predators, how do we manage deer numbers and impact? 

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.

What types of deer are we dealing with?

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.

What actions are being taken to promote sensitive management of deer?

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.

How do I get started on understanding the deer situation on my land and managing the deer?

If you are a landowner or land tenant who would like to contribute to the sensitive management of the landscape and ecology, the resources below will help get you started in deer management or act as a check for your current activities. 

Introductory video


Frequently Asked Questions, covering topics such as deer stalking safety, communication and management of stalkers
pdf Deer Stalking FAQ for Landowners (288 KB)

A sample Deer Stalking Licence Agreement and guidance on how to use it
pdf Deer Stalking Licence Agreement Guidance (211 KB)
pdf Deer Stalking Licence Agreement Template (506 KB) (fillable pdf form)
document Deer Stalking Licence Agreement Template (228 KB)  (Word document version)

An example of the information needed to manage a deer cull, in the form of a Cull Record Sheet and how to complete it 
pdf Cull Data Record Sheet Guidance (291 KB)
spreadsheet Cull Data Record Sheet Template (13 KB)

An example of a Generic Risk Assessment that can be used by a landowner to cover the basics of any risks associated with having deer stalking on the land 
pdf Generic Deer Stalking Risk Assessment Guidance and Template (377 KB) (fillable pdf form)

A Site-Specific Risk Assessment including guidance on how to complete it 
pdf Site Specific Deer Stalking Risk Assessment Guidance (227 KB)
pdf Site Specific Deer Stalking Risk Assessment Template (263 KB) (fillable pdf form)

Deer Initiative guidance on Deer management best practice 

Forestry Commission guidance on Woodland creation and mitigating the impacts of deer 

Further information

If you would like to discuss how to obtain the services of a deer stalker, or to co-ordinate deer management with your neighbours, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 01424 723011

Deer guidance produced by the High Weald AONB Partnership on behalf of the Upper Rother and Dudwell Farm Cluster, with support from the Woodland Trust.