Pro Silva Ireland
DEER IMPACT
For CCF management to be successful, and to protect forest biodiversity, deer numbers must be kept at levels compatible with natural regeneration, particularly of palatable native species.
Deer numbers have increased significantly in many parts of Ireland, and without effective management they can reduce species diversity, weaken forest resilience and undermine the long-term objectives of CCF. Managing deer populations at sustainable levels is therefore an important part of successful forest management, biodiversity conservation and nature restoration.
These impacts combine to suppress regeneration, diminish woodland biodiversity, reduce timber quality and limit future management options.
Selective feeding on young shoots of desirable species such as oak, hindering regeneration.
Antler rubbing that strips bark, weakens stems and invites fungal infection.
removal of bark from standing trees, reducing timber quality and increasing the risk of disease.
A range of measures can help reduce deer impacts and support successful regeneration:
In some areas, neighbouring landowners are working together to manage deer populations across a wider landscape, helping to achieve better outcomes for forests and biodiversity.