Why do we need to shoot deer in British woodlands?
by Peter, 27 November, 2014, 7 comments
Today there are more deer in the UK than at any time since the last Ice Age. They no longer have any natural predators in woodlands or fields. Total deer numbers are conservatively estimated at about 1.5 million and the rapidly expanding deer population threatens woodland biodiversity. Over-grazing and browsing, particularly in ancient woodland, continues to have two very unfortunate consequences for conservation. First, it can lead to a decline and loss in plant species in a given area, which often includes oxlip and bluebells. Deer frequently damage saplings and cause other damage by stripping bark with their antlers. Read more...
