New deer management hub launched for the Chilterns

But in recent years, one quiet change has been having a growing impact on this landscape – deer numbers have risen significantly. While deer are a valued and familiar part of the Chilterns, their increasing populations are making it harder for woodlands to regenerate, for wildflowers to thrive, and for new trees to establish. This, in turn, affects the wider web of wildlife that depends on these habitats.

There are also more visible impacts. Many people will have noticed an increase in deer on roads, raising concerns for both driver safety and animal welfare.

To help explain these issues and what can be done about them, we have published a new deer management hub.

The hub brings together clear, balanced information about why deer management is sometimes necessary, and how it can be carried out in a way that is careful, humane and based on the best available evidence.

It includes:

• An introduction to deer in the Chilterns and the challenges they present.
• Information on how deer affect habitats, other wildlife and local communities.
• Guidance for those involved in managing land and deer populations.
• A map showing where wild venison from the Chilterns can be sourced locally, supporting sustainable use.

Deer management can be a sensitive and sometimes difficult topic. This new resource aims to provide an open and honest explanation of the issues, helping people understand the balance needed between protecting deer and protecting the landscape as a whole.

By sharing knowledge and encouraging informed discussion, we hope to support a healthier, more resilient future for the Chilterns – for wildlife and for the people who live, work and spend time here.