Deer

Deer are popular animals and an important part of woodland ecosystems.  But populations in the UK are increasing, both in number and in geographic distribution, which is unfortunately causing some problems.  We’re trying to help resolve some of these.

How many deer are there? 

There are more than one million deer in the UK!

And how many species?

There are six species in the UK. Two of these are native - red and roe.  Fallow, Chinese water deer, muntjac and sika deer were all introduced at various times. Our FAQs answer some common queries about deer and species’ information sheets are available from the British Deer Society.

Why are deer numbers increasing?

There are many reasons, including: 

• More woodland as a result of planting schemes.
   
• Agricultural changes - for example, crops sown in autumn provide food for deer in winter.
   
• Milder winters have increased deer survival.

Could too many deer affect other wildlife?

Some grazing can help maintain plant diversity in woodlands. But ‘overgrazing’ by large numbers of deer can have a negative effect.  In some areas, deer have eaten the bushes that form the woodland understorey, with the result that some birds such as nightingales can’t nest there any more.  Browsing by deer can also reduce the number of plants such as bluebells - this in turn might affect the species of insect that live there.

Woodland understorey is the part of a forest that grows in the shade of the canopy - or taller trees.  Plants here are usually a mix of seedlings and saplings of canopy trees as well as shrubs and herbs.

How can I deter deer from my garden? 

You might welcome the chance to see deer close by. But keen gardeners may not be happy if uninvited deer eat their favourite plants!

If you need some advice on what to do, a booklet is available to download from Natural England.

What’s the law regarding the shooting of deer?

For a summary of the law about wild deer, visit the Deer Initiative website.

Deer management groups 

Because deer can range over wide areas, land managers need to co-operate with their neighbours.  Local deer management groups help co-ordinate activities such as census work and culling.  We are a partner of the Deer Initiative, which works towards having a sustainable and well-managed wild deer population in England and Wales.  It encourages and supports local deer management groups.

Avoiding collisions

Unfortunately more than 74,000 deer are involved in collisions with vehicles each year.  Our fact sheet (PDF 72.1KB) provides more information and tips on how to avoid collisions. We’re helping with research into where collisions are most frequent, why and what can done.  Further information can be found at: www.deercollisions.co.uk.

We also care for deer that have been injured. For more information, take a look at our rehabilitation and wildlife centre pages.

If you’re involved in an accident with an animal and are unsure what to do, call the RSPCA 24-hour cruelty and advice line on 0300 1234 999.