The Deer Initiative

The Deer Initiative in Wales

Deer Initiative in Wales /Menter Ceirw Cymru

Croeso i Wefan Menter Ceirw Cymru. Mae'r wybodaeth ar y dudalen hon ar y wê yn Saesneg - os hoffech gael unrhyw wybodaeth yn Gymraeg cysylltwch â Swyddfa Menter Ceirw Cymru. Diolch am ymweld â'r wefan hon.

Welcome to the Deer Initiative in Wales

The Deer Initiative in Wales was established in 1999 with the aim of ensuring the delivery of a healthy, sustainable wild deer population in Wales. With so little known about wild deer in Wales, the Deer Initiative has carried out extensive research into assessing the distribution of Fallow, Roe, Muntjac, Red and Sika in Wales, as well as their impact on forestry, agriculture and biodiversity.

The Deer Initiative has continued to work to develop Deer Management Groups in Wales and complete impact research. We have also been working recently with FC Wales to provide training to land agent planners on deer management planning for the new 'Better Woodlands for Wales' grant scheme.

Results of research work, and information regarding other Deer Initiative activities in Wales are in our regular newsletter which is available by post. Please contact Jackie Symmons if you would like to receive a copy.

The Deer Initiative provides advice and information on all issues relating to wild deer in Wales and their management, particularly in the use of Deer Management Plans and encouraging collaborative deer managment through Deer Management Groups.

Please contact Jackie Symmons, Wales Deer Officer, if you would like more information.

Wales Regional News Update

Welcome to the latest e-news for the Deer Initiative in Wales. The next printed newsletter is planned for publication in Spring 2009, if you are not already on my mailing list and would like to receive a copy, please contact me.

DI Strategic Review in Wales

Earlier this year the Deer Initiative held a strategic review meeting with its stakeholders and representatives from a wide range of Welsh land-based public, private and non governmental organisations.

The aim of the meeting was to explore the future role of the Deer Initiative in Wales and to identify what the main focus and objectives should be as the deer population continues to expand. One of the main action points of the meeting was to raise the profile of the Deer Initiative in Wales so that deer issues can be integrated into wider Welsh policies.

The Deer Initiative, alongside colleagues from Forestry Commission Wales, have now hosted a very informative visit by Elin Jones the Welsh Minister for Rural Affairs to the Wye Valley to raise awareness of deer in Wales.

Deer Management for FCWales Better Woodlands for Wales scheme

The Deer Initiative is the specialist deer advisor to the FCW Better Woodlands for Wales scheme. If you are a woodland owner or manager and would like to know more about the scheme, please click here to access the FCW BWW guidance document or contact Jackie Symmons at the Deer Initiative in Wales.

To date, the DI to date reviews around 10% of woodland management plans and around 5 require the development of full deer management plans. If you are completing a BWW application and think you may need a deer assessment please contact the your local FCW woodland Officer in the first instance. Click here for the latest BWW Technical Newsletter.

Data sharing agreement with Wales Local Biological Records Centre

The DI has now signed an MOU with all the local biological record centres in Wales to share data on deer. In return for reciprocal data provision, the DI in Wales has agreed to become the auditor for deer records in Wales . If you would like more information in how to get involved in recording wildlife or reporting deer sighting please contact your local centre, details of which can be found on theLocal Record Centres Wales website.

Other useful contact details are:

Best Practice

The DI has now started to publish the first in its series of best practice guides. The guides can be accessed online where they will be updated as needed so you can get access to the most up to date information. New guides are being uploaded onto the website regularly. Recent publications include guides on legislation and Lyme Disease.

Please click here to transfer to the Best Practice page on this website where you can view or download the Guides as they become available.

For information, the latest guide to wild game handling has been published by the Food Standards Agency.

Deer and Disease

The Deer Initiative continues to work closely with DEFRA and WAG alongside its other partners to address deer and disease related issues. In Wales the Risk Assessment carried out last year regarding Deer and Btb in Wales by WAG in conjunction with the DI has led to a sampling project in conjunction with FCW. Results are currently being collated.

Deer Vehicle Collisions

Jochen Langbein has published his report on Deer collisions nationwide and is continuing to collate data.

With the shorter daylight hours we have now reached one of the peak times of year for deer and vehicle collisions so remember to drive carefully. If you are involved in or hear of a deer related road traffic incident please remember to report it to the DI led Deer Collisions Project.

Operation Antler

It is that time of year again and incidents of poaching in south and west Wales are being reported in greater numbers. If you suspect poaching and/or see something suspicious please report it to PC Andy Scourfield on 0845 6040845 or by email. You can also report information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Events in Wales update

11 December 2008 - BASC Deer Stalker Network Wales, carcass handling and preparation event.

Please visit the BASC website for more information about this project.

Useful links

Countryside Council for Wales

Forestry Commission (Wales)

Better Woodlands for Wales

Local Records Centres Wales

Contact Details

Please contact me if you would like more information on any of the activities of the Deer Initiative in Wales, to be placed on the mailing list, or just to ask for information.