Key Takeaways:
- Deer numbers in the UK have increased significantly over the past 40 years, with estimates suggesting there may be up to 2 million deer in Britain.
- The rising deer population is causing problems for drivers, farmers, and businesses, as well as wildlife and the countryside’s natural landscapes.
- The economic cost of deer damage is substantial, with estimates suggesting it could be in the tens of thousands of pounds for individual farmers and landowners.
- Conservationists, farmers, and the government agree that tackling rising deer numbers is a priority, but there is no consensus on how to do it.
- Possible solutions include culling, reintroducing apex predators such as wolves and lynx, and non-lethal methods of management such as darting deer with contraceptives.
Introduction to the Deer Problem
The UK is facing a significant problem with its deer population, which has been increasing steadily over the past 40 years. The exact number of deer in Britain is unknown, but estimates suggest there may be up to 2 million, a huge increase from the estimated 450,000 in the 1970s. This surge in numbers is causing problems for drivers, farmers, and businesses, as well as wildlife and the countryside’s natural landscapes. Ben Martill, a gardener from Horsham in West Sussex, has seen the impact of the deer population firsthand, with herds of deer roaming the streets and causing damage to gardens and crops.
The Impact of Deer on the Environment and Economy
The impact of the deer population on the environment and economy is significant. The Forestry Commission estimates that the cost of damage caused by deer to young trees in Scotland’s national forests and land is around £3m a year. Farmers and landowners can see losses easily run into the tens of thousands, with some experiencing losses of as much as £1m in a year. The deer problem is also affecting the natural balance of the countryside, with the pressure of the deer population causing the loss of natural regrowth of trees and the decline of other wildlife. Lucy Manthorpe, a farmer from Suffolk, has seen the impact of the deer population on her farm, with deer causing significant damage to her crops and requiring her to employ a full-time worker to cull the deer.
The History of Deer in the UK
Deer have been present in mainland Britain for thousands of years, but only two of the six species that live here are native. Fallow deer were first introduced by the Romans, and the species expanded under the Normans. The 1963 Deer Act introduced restrictions on culling deer, and the decreasing numbers of people who hunt deer for food have also contributed to the increase in deer numbers. The law deems deer to be res nullius, meaning they belong to nobody, and responsibility for managing the deer population falls to individual landowners.
Possible Solutions to the Deer Problem
There is no consensus on how to tackle the deer problem, with different groups advocating for different solutions. Some animal rights organizations oppose deer hunting and advocate for non-lethal methods of management, such as darting deer with contraceptives or building more fencing. However, these methods can be challenging to implement at scale and may have unintended consequences, such as excluding other wildlife from woodlands. Other groups, such as the British Deer Society, consider culling to be the most effective way to manage deer numbers. Some big rewilding projects are also considering the reintroduction of apex predators, such as wolves and lynx, to control deer numbers.
The Role of Apex Predators
The reintroduction of apex predators, such as wolves and lynx, is a controversial solution to the deer problem. While some argue that it could be an effective way to control deer numbers, others are opposed to the idea, citing concerns about the impact on livestock and human safety. The Countryside Alliance has stated that reintroducing wolves would be "disastrous," and Dr. Mike Daniel, who runs a Sustainable Deer Management course at the University of the Highlands and Islands, agrees that it would be difficult to have wolves and lynx co-exist alongside farms and estates.
The Need for a Sustainable Solution
There is a need for a sustainable solution to the deer problem, one that takes into account the needs of both the environment and the economy. Eating more venison is one possible solution, as it is a sustainable and natural resource. However, there are also concerns about the humane treatment of deer and the need for non-lethal methods of population control. The government has a role to play in finding a solution, and there are currently laws and consultations in place to address the issue. Ultimately, it will require a collaborative effort from landowners, farmers, conservationists, and the government to find a solution that works for everyone.
Conclusion
The deer problem in the UK is a complex issue that requires a sustainable and effective solution. While there are different opinions on how to tackle the problem, it is clear that something needs to be done to address the impact of the deer population on the environment and economy. By working together and considering different solutions, it is possible to find a way to manage deer numbers and promote a healthy and balanced ecosystem. As Lucy Manthorpe’s farm has shown, it is possible to make a positive impact on the landscape by tackling the deer problem, and it is up to individuals, organizations, and the government to take action and make a difference.