The government outlines a new 10-year plan to reduce the damaging impacts of deer on woodlands to help landowners, foresters and farmers.

According to the department for environment, food and rural affairs (Defra), one-third of England’s woodlands are now affected by deer damage.

From excessive browsing, trampling and the damage to young trees, habitats and crops, growing deer populations are placing unsustainable pressure on trees and woodland habitats.

Current management approaches have not kept in line with rising impacts, but new measure include dedicated deer officers, grant funding, streamlined licensing processes to cut delayed red tape and potential changes to night shooting and close seasons licensing which allows land managers to better protect crops timber and habitats where is a clear need.

Nature minister Mary Creagh says “this government is helping landowners and farmers manage deer impacts more effectively so woodlands can flourish and crops are better protected.” She adds:

“These new measures will also help restore nature, boost our home grown timber industry and protect the millions of trees we are planting across the country.”

The government also plans to support research to help improve the effectiveness and efficient of managing deep impacts with drone usage and target action at a landscape scale.