Author: Finn Varney
Introduction: A Growing Problem
The UK’s deer population is at an all-time high, estimated at around 2 million—its largest in over a thousand years. With no natural predators to control their numbers, this explosion in population has serious consequences for both the environment and human activities. To maintain a balanced ecosystem, around half a million to three-quarters of a million deer need to be culled each year. However, despite this necessity, demand for wild venison remains relatively low, with only 350,000 animals culled annually. As a result, the national herd continues to grow, damaging crops, trees, and natural habitats.
The Ecological Impact: Forests at Risk
In the UK’s woodlands, the consequences of overpopulation are stark. Deer browsing on young trees can reduce timber crop values by up to 50%, and prevent forests from regenerating naturally. The damage is not just economic; deer also hinder the recovery of biodiversity in woodlands, damaging habitats for other species. With no surviving wild predators, large herds of deer are threatening the health of the UK’s rural landscapes, leaving a long-lasting impact on both the environment and local economies.
The Promise of Wild Venison: A Sustainable Food Source
One potential solution to the growing deer population—and its environmental impact—is to increase the consumption of wild venison. Rich in protein, low in fat, and free from antibiotics or hormones, venison is a healthy and sustainable alternative to farmed meat. Yet, in the UK, wild venison remains a niche product, often perceived as expensive and difficult to handle.
This is where initiatives such as the Forestry Commission’s ORFC25 workshop, titled Deer Are Food for the Future, come in. The workshop gathered stakeholders from across the industry to explore ways to promote wild venison as a viable source of healthy food. Ideas ranged from introducing venison to school and hospital menus to distributing it through food banks and community projects. Attendees also discussed how butchery workshops could teach consumers to process whole deer, making venison more accessible and affordable by avoiding the premium price attached to pre-butchered cuts. Such efforts could open up a new market for venison, benefiting both wildlife management and local communities.
Overcoming Barriers to Market Expansion
Effective deer management through stalking and culling is crucial to controlling deer populations, yet significant cultural and financial barriers make it difficult for many to participate. The typical UK deer stalker is aged between 57 and 63, with few younger people entering the profession due to the high costs of training, equipment, and securing landowner permissions. Kevin Miskella, a stalker attending the ORFC25 workshop, noted that while a deer carcass may fetch £30 when sold to a game dealer, it can yield up to £150 if self-butchered, but the time and effort involved often deter new entrants. Moreover, deer stalking is often seen as more of a passion than a profitable business, meaning many stalkers do not view it as a financially rewarding venture. As a result, deer populations continue to grow unchecked, contributing to ongoing ecological damage, while venison remains a niche product in the UK market, hindered by its price, accessibility, and limited consumer awareness.
The Diversity of Deer Species
In addition to the ecological and economic challenges posed by deer overpopulation, it is important to recognise the complexity of the deer species present in the UK. There are six species of deer in the UK: red and roe deer, which are native to the country, and four non-native species—fallow, muntjac, sika, and Chinese water deer. The management of these species requires nuanced approaches, with differing impacts on the landscape, local biodiversity, and hunting regulations.
Conclusion: A Balanced Future
Managing the UK’s deer population is no simple task. The overabundance of deer is straining both the environment and human infrastructure, from damaged forests to dangerous road collisions. While culling is essential for maintaining a balanced ecosystem, expanding the market for wild venison could offer a sustainable and ethical solution. With greater public awareness, targeted educational initiatives, and a more accessible pathway into deer stalking, wild venison has the potential to become a mainstream food source—one that supports both ecological health and rural economies.
By approaching the issue of deer management from multiple angles, we can reduce the pressure on our landscapes while creating new opportunities for local communities. The future of the UK’s rural ecosystems—and the role of wild venison in that future—will depend on how well we can balance ecological conservation with sustainable food production.
About The Author
Finn Varney is a vehicle-dweller based primarily in Yorkshire, where he tends a nature-friendly orchard and vegetable garden. He has a part-time freelance career making documentary films in themes of nature conservation, environmentalism and alternative ways of living. He has spent time in intentional communities centred around living within the means of their land and this ontology appeals to his soul. Some of his favourite things include swimming, fires, music and dancing.