Deer Management

With no natural predators, the deer population in Ireland has exploded, creating havoc for woodland creation, especially native trees. Whilst deer are a species loved by many, when their population is out of control, they destroy habitats in a similar way to sheep on uplands.

Deer fencing is essential in areas of high deer population to protect young tree plantations. They are expensive to build and manage. Equally they are not necessarily so effective. Deer are clever creatures, who will find weak spots in the fencing and get into young tree plantations. 

Wherever possible, NádúrNua tries to avoid deer culling as a means of protecting its woodlands. However, in certain cases it is essential such as in Curraheen, County Tipperary, where we have a persistent problem with deer breaking through into the recently planted native tree woodland. 

Venison is a very good source of lean protein. And the ‘gralloch’ is left behind on the woodland as a source of food for foxes, badgers and raptors.

In Ireland deer culling is a legal practice managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), with specific rules and seasons in place.