Wild Deer Management in Wales

Wild Deer Management in Wales, our strategy for deer was published in February 2011. It sets out our aims and objectives for the sustainable management of deer in Wales - in both the public and private sectors. The strategy was developed by us, Forestry Commission Wales (FCW), Countryside Council for Wales (CCW), and the Deer Initiative Partnership.

The strategy supports our vision that "Wales benefits from its wild deer population in balance with the natural, social and economic environment." The strategy recognises that although an expanding deer population would make it more difficult to deliver many of the objectives in the Woodlands for Wales strategy and objectives for agriculture and the natural environment, we should uphold the value of wild deer as part of our natural heritage. We should also ensure that where active management is required, it is sustainable as well as safe, humane and effective.

The factors that have driven the need for developing a strategy are:

• Deer and their impacts in Wales
• Our international commitments to biodiversity
• Our policies and priorities including those relating to the environment, biodiversity and agriculture
• Woodlands for Wales: Our Strategy for Woodlands and Trees.

In developing the strategy an issues paper was produced and stakeholders were invited to comment. The stakeholder responses were incorporated into the published strategy. These documents are available from the Wild Deer Management in Wales pages on the Forestry Commission Wales website (external link).

Action Plan

The Wild deer management in Wales Action Plan 2011 -2016 was published in December 2011 and sets out what needs to happen over the next five years to deliver the aims of the strategy.

If you would like more information on Wild deer management in Wales, contact Forestry Commission Wales: fcwenquiries@forestry.gsi.gov.uk.

You can also telephone Forestry Commission Wales on 03000 680300 for more information.