New strategy launches to manage deer populations in Lake District

A new strategy sets out an approach for managing deer populations in the Lake District.

The five-year strategy has been developed by Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA), Natural England, Forestry Commission, Forestry England, North Lakes Red Deer Group, Cumbria Connect, National Trust, and United Utilities.

The new strategy promotes evidence-led, collaborative and adaptive management, bringing together landowners, environmentalists, deer stalkers and deer experts to protect the landscape while safeguarding the welfare of deer for the future.

Native red and roe deer are an important part of the Lake District landscape, and part of its cultural and natural heritage. However, over the last century populations have grown significantly across the UK, and in the Lake District the rising numbers present significant environmental and land management challenges.

This includes serious damage to woodlands and sensitive habitats, as deer browsing and trampling prevents trees from regenerating, damages soil structure and reduces biodiversity. High deer densities are also linked to increased road traffic accidents, damage to crops and gardens, and the spread of ticks that carry livestock and human diseases.

To address these challenges, land managers in the Lake District are working towards regulating deer populations at sustainable levels.

Five themed goals underpin the delivery of the strategy:

• Communication: We will work together to share clear, joined-up messages that help build understanding and awareness of deer management across the Lake District.
• Collaboration: We will support closer working between Lake District landowners, farmers, deer managers and stalkers to deliver deer management at a landscape scale, enhancing skills and infrastructure where needed
• Data and evidence: We will strengthen the local evidence base by sharing knowledge, research and practical techniques across the Lake District, including tools such as drone surveys and ground impact assessments.
• Adaptability: In the Lake District, we will bring together local experience and scientific evidence to support a flexible, practical and impact-focused approach to deer management.
• Lake District venison brand: We will support the growth of a strong local venison market by encouraging initiatives that promote Lake District venison to the highest standards of welfare and quality.

Cath Johnson, Natural Environment Adviser at Lake District National Park Authority, said: “Rising deer numbers present significant environmental and land-management challenges across the National Park. While native red and roe deer are an important part of our cultural and natural heritage, high densities can cause serious damage to woodlands and other sensitive habitats. This strategy brings together landowners, environmentalists, deer stalkers and deer experts to help protect our landscape while securing the future for native deer.”

Alastair Boston, Deer Officer from Forestry Commission said: “We are pleased to have worked alongside the Lake District National Park Authority and partners to develop this new deer strategy and to see it come to fruition. The strategy provides a clear opportunity to enhance the natural landscape through effective and sustainable deer management, based on best practice. It is one of the first deer strategies for a national park in the UK and aligns with Defra’s ‘Deer impacts policy statement: managing the impacts of wild deer in England’.”

You can read the full Lake District Wild Deer Management Strategy on the Lake District National Park Authority website https://lakedistrict.gov.uk/deer-strategy/

A Lake District wild venison brand is currently being developed by LDNPA and partners, to ensure meat sourced through responsible population management is sold locally as high‑quality, traceable produce and to strengthen local supply chains, support sustainable land management, and give consumers confidence in the origins of the venison they buy.