Each of our six species of wild deer has expanded in numbers and distribution over the past 30 years, some massively and some modestly, but all with an impact on their environment or upon human endeavour.
As a prey species, deer breed more rapidly than is necessary simply to sustain their population. One hundred roe deer, for example, uncontrolled but allowing for known birth and mortality rates, can grow to as many as one thousand in just ten years.
Such a population can only be sustained by pioneering new territory, territory which is no longer available to them as distribution now covers every suitable county of the UK.
Deer are an important species that contribute positively to our biodiversity. They are also much loved and valued for the pleasure they bring, even though the times of their activity means that many people are unaware of their close proximity and high numbers.
In the absence of natural predation it falls to people to manage the ever-growing deer populations, but to manage them with care, with respect and with deference to
scientific knowledge and research.
While deer management usually means culling to a plan which replicates a similar impact to that of natural predation. Deer management is more than just culling and can take into account a number of factors and methods to ensure deer populations remain healthy and in balance with their environment.
– British Deer Society –
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Cotswold Country Management 