THE BDS SOUTH EAST ENGLAND BRANCH

Deer observations

The season has been a strange one. Ruts seem to have been varied in the south east. The roe rut in July and August was evident but not as strong as usual in the areas I normally see.

The same was true of the fallow rut in October. There were signs of rutting, scrapes and stands but not a great deal of activity in terms of calling, fighting or otherwise. In late November there were still bucks reported as calling on colder nights in parts of Kent. 

We have large numbers of fallow and crop damage reported. However, culling remains problematic with game dealers’ chillers and freezers full. The price of venison is also low.

Meat going to charities and homeless support organisations remains one solution. 

Ashdown Forest

Ashdown Forest deer numbers remain high although culling continues. Deer vehicle collisions also remain high. Driven by the need to get outside, the number of walkers in the forest is noticeably high, making the culling difficult. It is also evident that many families are out with new puppies.

Royal Parks

Richmond and the other Royal Parks have remained open as a valuable breathing and exercise space for Londoners, including during Covid and lockdown, despite the additional workload imposed upon the staff.

In terms of numbers, Richmond and Bushy Parks have never been busier. Many first time visitors were unaware of how to behave around the deer which have at times been completely encircled and with many new inexperienced dogs and their owners giving rise to an upsurge in deer being chased.

The deer carried on with inevitable stoicism as usual, the recent rut being the last notable event. Having said that, the rut in Richmond was, as elsewhere, not as noticeable or dramatic as usual, in part due to the continued disturbance.

An extremely good year for acorns means that the herds are in good shape for the winter months.