What do we do? - BDS promotes deer education, research and management best practice to ensure a healthy and sustainable deer population in balance with the environment; a key feature of the biodiversity of the UK landscape.
Our aim - BDS aims to be the go-to place for objective and unbiased information on the biology of deer and methods of deer management, humane treatment and control.
Research - BDS provides funding and support for high quality deer research to inform government(s), academia, trade organisations, members, the media and the public.
Membership - BDS embraces a varied membership ranging from professional biologists, enthusiastic naturalists, keen photographers, wildlife artists and chefs to deer managers and stalkers. All are welcome.
Education - BDS aims to improve general education and understanding of all deer-related issues, through active engagement and access to high quality educational materials.
How can you help us? - Help BDS continue its education and research programme. Secure the future of wild deer in the UK by becoming a member, making a donation, or purchasing from our shop. Thank you for your support.
In the light of the recent lockdown announcements and changes to the Covid-19 restrictions, the BDS want to continue to support members and those involved in deer management to remain safe and to work within the Government and Devolved Administrations guidance.
For your own protection, employed Deer and Wildlife Managers should seek the advice of their line managers or employers. Those conducting deer management as crop protection on a voluntary or contract basis must clarify whether their activities are deemed essential and should get this confirmed in writing by the landowner or managing agent.
In all circumstances, please adhere to the travel guidelines and restrictions including those on meeting anyone outside your household or support bubble. As these differ across the UK please make sure you have read and are aware of the guidance in relation to your location and the location you plan to work in especially if this requires travelling beyond your local area.
In addition, we strongly recommend that people take the opportunity to review their wildlife management risk assessments and ensure that Covid-19 is included.
As ambassadors for our industry your actions are hugely important and now more than ever, we must all pull together and do the right thing in these challenging times.
It has been a challenging year, but as we approach the end of 2020, Highways England and The British Deer Society are urging drivers not to close the year with a deer vehicle collision.
Although deer can be encountered on our roads throughout the year, the risk of a collision dramatically increases between October and December and again in May. This occurs alongside seasonal changes in deer behaviour, causing deer to be on the move.
With quieter roads due to lockdown restrictions, drivers may be tempted to speed and this coupled with fewer daylight hours and poor weather conditions, make the current risk to drivers even higher this year.
View our recent webinar exploring the topic of deer on our roads.
The discussion includes:
Insights from Stuart Lovatt at Highways England
Update on the latest research data from Jochen Langbein
Insights into how police in Hampshire have implemented and worked with Humane Animal Dispatch volunteers from Korine Bishop - Strategic Rural Policing Inspector (Hampshire and Isle of Wight)
Personal experiences from Tony Lowry - Humane Animal Dispatch and Deer Track and Recovery
An overview from Jim Green from British Animal Rescue and Trauma Care Association
Research and DVC prevention
Impact of lockdowns and quieter roads
Advice for travelling over Christmas
On YouTube in the description, you will find time stamps to allow you to jump straight to each of the above points in the discussion.
