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.
