Wider deer culling planned for England to protect trees and crops
BBC World
February 19, 2026
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The UK government has announced a new 10-year deer management plan to address the growing issue of overpopulation among deer in England. This strategy aims to protect woodlands, newly planted trees, and farmland from significant damage caused by the estimated two million deer currently roaming the country. The plan will identify priority areas for culling and streamline licensing processes for shooting deer, particularly at night and during closed seasons, giving landowners and farmers more flexibility to safeguard their crops.
Deer numbers have surged to their highest level in over 1,000 years, with around two million individuals now inhabiting the British Isles. This explosion has led to widespread ecological damage, affecting one-third of English woodlands and causing costly crop losses for farmers. According to experts, deer grazing and trampling have left 33% of woodlands in poor condition, up from 24% in the early 2000s. Additionally, over 74,000 deer-vehicle collisions occur annually, resulting in fatalities and injuries.
Farmers and landowners, such as Andrew Blenkiron of Elveden Estate in Suffolk, have welcomed measures to control deer populations, which they say have "rocketed" during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Blenkiron highlights the challenges posed by smaller deer species like muntjac, which reproduce rapidly and cause significant damage to crops, including carrots and potatoes. He also notes that venison from culled deer is sold locally, even supporting a nearby school.
However, animal welfare groups like PETA argue that culling is inhumane and ineffective in the long term. They suggest alternative methods such as habitat modification, fencing, and reducing artificial food sources to address overpopulation
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/19/2026