Confor Response to Deer Impacts Policy Statement

23 February 2026

Defra has published its Deer Impacts Policy Statement, setting out the government’s policy position on managing the impacts of wild deer in England over the next 10 years.

Following publication of the Grey Squirrel Policy Statement in January, it was clear that the Deer document would likely follow a similar format. Expectations were therefore better managed ahead of publication, and it was understood that this would be framed as a policy statement rather than the detailed operational action plan that woodland owners and managers have been anticipating over recent years.

For the past couple of years, members have been expecting structured Deer and Grey Squirrel Management Action Plans setting out clear delivery mechanisms and prioritised measures. This document instead establishes the strategic direction of travel for the coming decade.

Recognition of the Challenge

The statement acknowledges that around one-third of England’s woodlands are impacted by deer, reflecting findings from the Bunce woodland survey. This aligns closely with what Confor members are reporting across much of the country.

High deer pressure affects:

  • The success of woodland creation and restocking
  • Natural regeneration and species diversity
  • Stem form and timber quality
  • Establishment and maintenance costs
  • Long-term forest resilience and productivity

Recognition that current approaches have not kept pace with rising deer populations including the presence of three non-native invasive species, is an important and necessary step.

Effective deer management underpins woodland creation, biodiversity recovery and the long-term supply of home-grown timber.