It is almost certainly the case that there are now more deer in Surrey than at any other time. There are also now more people and the land is more intensively used. This has led to conflicts of land use and the problems associated with deer becoming more obvious. With particular reference to woodlands, deer browsing damage is now one of the major problems for woodland owners both economically and ecologically.

What problems do deer cause in Surrey?

A recent survey of Surrey landowners indicated a vast majority had deer on their land and over half indicated that deer were considered a problem. While four or five types of deer can be found in Surrey, it is the roe deer which is most common and causes the majority of the problems. Roe deer are native, but were hunted to extinction in southern England several centuries ago. They were reintroduced and have rapidly recolonised the county from the west. The smaller introduced muntjac deer, whilst present in Surrey, are not as yet a significant problem. However, they are likely to become so.

They may cause damage by stripping bark from shrubs, small trees and by eating all available greenery. For the woodland owner, the browsing of planted or natural tree seedlings and coppice growth is noticable. With increasing numbers of deer and shortage of food, deer will enter gardens in suburban areas.

If deer are a problem in your wood or garden then you have several options available to you.

Road Traffic Collisions

Road Traffic Collisions with wild animals on the public highway are unfortunately common. You may find the following advice useful:

• Where the animal remains on the Highway and is alive it should be reported to the Police via 999.
• If the animal has passed away during or as a result of the collision then it is the responsibility of the borough or district council to arrange for its removal.
• If the animal falls fatally on the Highway then this should be reported to the Police who will likely arrange for Surrey County to attend to remove the animal to the adjacent edge of the road. Surrey County Council will then notify the relevant local borough or district council to arrange its removal.

In the case of Deer collisions on the Highway these should all be reported directly to Surrey Police contact centre on 0845 125 2222, who will arrange for the relevant person or authority to attend. Further information regarding vehicle collisions involving deer can be found at the deer initiative website.