8,000 Years of Deer: The History and Future of Britain’s Wild Herds

Name: 8,000 Years of Deer: The History and Future of Britain’s Wild Herds
Start: 2025-09-04T18:30:00+01:00
Location: Exford Memorial Hall

Schedule

Thu, 04 Sep, 2025 at 06:30 pm

UTC+01:00

Location

Exford Memorial Hall | Minehead, EN

Britain has six species of deer - the native red and roe deer, and introduced fallow, sika, muntjac and Chinese water deer. Their management is a top priority for the government and NGOs, as evidence suggests numbers have doubled since 2000 and are rising rapidly, especially as warmer climates are increasing birth and survival rates. They are now overgrazing landscapes and prohibiting woodland regeneration, to the detriment of their population's welfare and broader biodiversity.
Currently, deer culling is the only viable method of population control, yet the general public has a negative perception of such actions, and many would prefer to see deer managed through the rewilding of large carnivores, particularly wolves and the lynx.
Join us for this fascinating talk with Professor Naomi Skyes, who will dig into the deep history of British deer (and their predators) to reveal the complex and fascinating dynamics, including the rise and fall of religions, empires and ideologies that have led to the present-day situation.
Doors will open at 6 pm, ready for a 6.30 pm start. Book your place using the form below. We look forward to seeing you there!