Landowners across Devon are invited to the county's first-ever Devon Deer Forum, a new event focused on sharing knowledge, practical expertise and solutions to the growing challenge of deer management.
The free forum takes place at Embercombe, Higher Ashton, on Monday, September 14. It brings together landowners, deer managers, ecologists, forestry representatives and other specialists for an afternoon focused on making deer management more effective and sustainable.
Organised by the Devon Agri-Tech Alliance (DATA) and hosted by the DEFRA-funded Teign Valley Facilitation Fund, the event is for landowners who want to learn more about deer management and its growing importance, as well as those looking to improve existing management on their land.
The four-hour event will include short talks followed by a question-and-answer session with speakers from the deer management and land management sectors.
Speakers include Elliott Fairs, lead of the Teign Valley Facilitation Fund and Teign Valley Deer Management Group; Sharif Adams, chair of the British Deer Society South-West Branch and owner of Affinity Deer Management; Andy Gray, owner of MC Kelly's, the largest deer processor in the South-West; and Tristan Miles, deer manager at Perridge Estate in Devon.
The forum will also offer practical demonstrations and a chance for landowners to explore new ways of monitoring and managing deer impacts.
Drone operators Dartmoor UAV Services will demonstrate technology to help landowners assess deer impacts. Ecological consultants Tadorna will discuss Herbivore Impact Assessments and scientific survey methods.
The event will also highlight the role of venison and public engagement in deer management. Exmoor Game School will showcase its mobile butchery sessions, which teach children and adults about venison and the journey from field to plate.
Information on funding and data collection will also be available. FieldLog is expected to demonstrate its mobile app for recording field data and statistics used to support applications for the Deer Management Grant from the Forestry Commission.
Forestry Commission representatives are expected to discuss current grants available for deer management.
Organisers hope the inaugural forum will provide a foundation for further events and give landowners access to specialist advice and practical support.
A selection of Teign Valley venison-inspired food will be available during the afternoon, along with refreshments.
The first Devon Deer Forum runs from 1pm to 5pm on September 14 at Embercombe, Higher Ashton, Devon, EX6 7QQ.
Attendance is free, although registration is required via Eventbrite.
The workshop is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Devon & Torbay Combined County Authority.
Devon Deer Forum to Unite Landowners