Pro Silva Ireland
Pro Silva Ireland held a Sustainable Forestry and Deer Management event in Knockrath Forest, Co. Wicklow, supported by the FRS Co-Op Deer Management Programme. The session brought together foresters, hunters, ecologists and researchers to address Ireland’s growing deer population and its impact on sustainable forestry. Led by forester Paddy Purser and ecologist Faith Wilson, the event combined ecological insight with practical forest management strategies to promote collaboration among all stakeholders.
The Deer Management Challenge
Ireland’s deer populations, particularly Sika deer, have expanded dramatically, causing ecological imbalance and economic losses. Thermal imaging surveys of Knockrath showed densities of about 40 deer per km2, far above the recommended five animals per km2 for natural forest regeneration and healthy understorey development.
High deer densities have far-reaching impacts for sustainable forest management, including prevention of natural tree regeneration, damage to timber quality and a loss of biodiversity through overbrowsing of shrubs and herbaceous plants. The event highlighted that reducing deer numbers is essential not only for timber production but also for maintaining a health forest ecosystem and achieving Ireland’s broader sustainability and biodiversity targets.
Understanding Deer Impacts
The event aimed to help hunters understand how deer densities shape forest ecology. During a guided forest walk, participants observed firsthand three main types of damage:
These impacts combine to suppress regeneration, lower biodiversity and cause economic loss.
Collaboration
Michael Keegan, Project Manager of the FRS Deer Management Programme, emphasized that successful deer management relies on cooperation between hunters, landowners and forest managers. The new national framework promotes partnership-based, data-driven control modelled on best European practice but adapted to Ireland’s voluntary, community context. Effective communication and coordination at local level were seen as vital.
Incentives and hunter engagement
Participants agreed that incentives are key to encouraging hunter involvement, given that most operate voluntarily. Suggested supports included equipment and infrastructure funding (e.g., high seats, cold storage), training and certification, recognition of the role of hunters in delivering ecosystem services, and stronger coordination between local groups, Coillte and NPWS. Attracting younger hunters was also recognized as a priority.
Forest Design and Policy Integration
Purser and Keegan highlighted that forest design has a crucial role in effective deer management. Traditional even-aged Sitka spruce create long periods of low visibility and limited access for hunters, inadvertently providing refuge for deer. Future forests should incorporate good road access, ride lines, glades and other measures to aid access and control. Revised layouts, regional cooperation and data sharing were identified as key to long-term balance.
The FRS Co-Op Deer Management Programme
This programme aims to establish structured, collaborative deer management across Ireland through regional deer management groups. It supports landowners in developing management plans, coordinates monitoring and training, and strengthens communication among stakeholders. Its goals align with Pro Silva Ireland’s commitment to continuous cover forestry and sustainability.
Outcomes
The event achieved greater awareness among hunters of deer impacts on sustainable forest management and fostered mutual understanding between forestry and hunting communities. Key outcomes included:
As Purser concluded, success will depend on “one golden case study” demonstrating effective cooperation—paving the way for nationwide replication.
This event was supported by funding from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
