Tasks in hand

As always at this time of year we will be on the ground for the doe cull. I’m pleased to say that to date we have had a good start, at least up until the untimely visit from Arwen. Following this we will be busy checking if we have any seats left, what will need replacing and the best sites for them. We will have to monitor the changes and how they impact on managing the ground. Arwen has kept me on my toes and I am up for the challenge.

and that will have a knock-on effect on what I do. The amount of disturbance in the woods is going to be significant at a time of year when such work is normally slowing down. As a result, deer will be pushed around when they are trying to find secluded areas to couch down, which is certainly going to be a challenge for us.

Movement

Every deer manager relies on the pattern of deer movement to be successful. Overnight we now have woodland where the centuriesold favourite routes are going to change. The odd tree fallen tree is a common occurrence and of no concern to deer because they can either go under or around it.

However, the extent of damage caused by Storm Arwen has fundamentally changed many of the deer’s habitats. Many of those favourite entry and exit spots and the regularly used paths through the woods are no longer there and the resident deer are more than likely to move to new and more preferred territory.

In addition, we have now entered the most challenging time for deer, when good shelter is needed from the winter weather and food, which is now at its lowest nutritional value, is not going to improve until new growth in spring.

Nature

While Storm Arwen has caused difficulties for those who work in the woods and the fauna that lives there it was not a unique event. Woodlands have changed throughout millennia due natural phenomena. Wind, fire or flood can, at any given time, change and even improve habitat. Let’s face it, nature is much better at it than we are.

Trees have fallen and with a less thick canopy there will be more light getting through to the forest floor to produce new growth and natural regeneration. In these naturally cleared open spaces, this new growth will produce perfect nutrition for deer and the animals that rely on it.

Nature heals itself quicker than we think and before we know it new trees will be growing where others have fallen and the woods will rise again.

Finally, a matter of safety – bearing in mind a recent event. Never at any time point a gun at anyone, whether you believe it is unloaded or not. And never, at any time, accept a gun from anyone until, in a safe manner, they prove to you that it is unloaded before you take it.