Britain's woodlands are facing an unlikely threat. One of our most recognisable and admired wild animals, are putting increasing pressure on the landscapes they inhabit. With few natural predators to keep their numbers in check, the growing deer population are browsing young trees, stripping away vegetation and preventing woodland from regenerating naturally. The consequences extend far beyond the trees themselves, affecting the plants, insects, birds and other wildlife that depend on healthy, diverse habitats.
We have become accustomed to thinking that protecting nature means leaving it untouched, yet in a landscape altered by human activity, sometimes intervention is essential. Carefully managed deer populations can give woodlands the opportunity to recover, allowing new growth and creating the conditions for biodiversity to flourish.
