Policy paper

Deer impacts policy statement for England

The deer impacts policy statement sets out the actions we will take in England over the next decade to ensure the impacts of wild deer are not a threat to environmental, social or economic goals.

• From: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and Forestry Commission
• Published: 20 February 2026

Applies to England

Documents

Deer impacts policy statement: managing the impacts of wild deer in England

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Details

The deer impacts policy statement for England sets out actions to:  

• manage wild deer impacts at a strategic and landscape scale   
• support land managers to take action, including by providing incentives, improving licensing processes, increasing relevant skills, and supporting the domestic wild venison supply chain   
• explore and evaluate the use of alternative tree protection methods, such as alternatives to plastic tree guards   

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Published 20 February 2026