Wild deer set to wreak havoc in UK woodlands as venison demand plunges

Unmanaged animals from Britain’s largest herds for 1,000 years are no longer needed with restaurants in lockdown

Unmanaged wild deer herds could soon pose a threat to woodlands and important wildlife habitats in Britain because the commercial market for venison has collapsed during the pandemic.

Many in the game industry as well as conservationists fear too few deer are being culled to keep the estimated two-million-strong wild herd, the largest for 1,000 years, at a sustainable size.