Deer Impact Assessments: Why They Matter for Woodland and Land Management Deer are a valued part of the British countryside, but unmanaged deer pressure can create serious problems for woodland owners, farmers and land managers. Where deer numbers are not in balance with the habitat, browsing can affect young trees, coppice regrowth, ground flora and […]
Bark StrippingBark Stripping involves removal of bark from larger trees, often in winter.It is identified by long vertical scars and exposed wood. Fallow and Red deer are the primary causes. This damage can kill trees through ring barking, introduce disease, and significantly reduce timber value. It represents one of the most economically serious forms of […]
FrayingFearing occurs when male deer rub antlers against young trees, typically in spring. It is identified by stripped bark and twisted or snapped saplings. Roe and Muntjac are the main contributors. Damage often kills young tress or causes permanent deformity, significantly impacting woodland establishment and timber quality.
GrazingGrazing refers to feeding on grasses, herbs and crops.it is identified by evenly cropped dwarfs, trampling, and crop loss. Fallow and Red deer are typically responsible, with roe and muntjac contributing locally. The primary impact is financial, including reduced crop yield, pasture productivity and contamination risk. It also suppresses edge habitat regeneration.
Browsing Browsing is the selective feeding of woody plants up to approximately 1.5m in height. It is identified by torn shoots, missing terminal buds, and the formation of a distinct brows line. Primarily caused by Roe, Fallow, Red and Muntjac deer, browsing prevents natural regeneration, alters species composition, and reduces biodiversity. It is the most […]
CL55 – KILLING DEER AT NIGHT (ENGLAND) A practical and legal overview for landowners and deer managers INTRODUCTION The introduction of the CL55 Class Licence by Natural England represents a significant administrative change in deer management in England. It allows authorised and registered individuals to legally shoot deer at night, under strictly defined conditions. This […]
THE 6.5×55 INTRODUCTION The 6.5×55 is one of the most respected and enduring rifle cartridges ever produced. Originally developed in the 1890s as a military cartridge, it has gone on to become one of the finest sporting rounds for deer-sized game ever designed. It has built its reputation on mild recoil, excellent sectional density, strong […]
THE .308 WINCHESTERINTRODUCTIONThe .308 Winchester is one of the most widely used and globally proven rifle cartridges in existence. Since its introduction in the 1950s, it has established itself as a highly efficient, inherently accurate, and versatile cartridge suitable for both hunting and precision shooting applications. It offers a well-balanced combination of manageable recoil, strong […]
THE .270 WINCHESTERINTRODUCTIONThe .270 Winchester is one of the most enduring and effective general-purpose rifle cartridges ever developed. Introduced in 1925, it has built a reputation for flat trajectory, manageable recoil, and consistent terminal performance across a wide range of medium to large game species. Despite the emergence of newer cartridges, it remains highly relevant—arguably […]
