Our work at Plymbridge Woods

The Peregrine project at Plymbridge Woods 

The woodland is home to an array of wildlife, including rare birds. The Plym Peregrine project began in 2001 to monitor and protect the birds in the woodland around Dartmoor during the nesting season. 

How long have peregrine falcons been at Plymbridge Woods? 

There have been breeding peregrine falcons at Cann Quarry in Plymbridge Woods for at least 50 years. Since the project started, 34 chicks have successfully left the nest and some of the young have been recorded at other locations raising their own chicks. 

The work of rangers and volunteers 

The team of rangers at Plymbridge Woods is small, consisting of just three staff. They couldn’t look after this special place without the essential help of a dozen volunteer rangers, alongside 30 volunteers dedicated to the Peregrine Project. 

Volunteers are essential to the project and protection of the birds. The team at Plymbridge Woods have a knowledgeable, passionate and dedicated team, and they always welcome new volunteers as the season begins in spring. 

Deer management at Plymbridge Woods

History of deer at Plymbridge Woods

In 1699 The Parker family created Boringdon Deer Park in Cann Woods, just outside of Plymbridge Woods. Deer parks were enclosed hunting areas often created by landowners and the fallow deer numbers were kept high for hunting. Deer numbers have fluctuated throughout our history and in recent times their numbers have been rapidly increasing; it is thought that deer numbers have doubled in England in the last 25 years. The population increase is due to a few factors including more growing of crops, more woodland cover, escapees and releases from parkland deer and the 1963 deer act limiting when deer can be managed. There are no natural predators of deer in England to maintain populations at a sustainable level, so many places we care for have plans in place for management. 

There are two types of deer found in Plymbridge Woods, the fallow deer and native roe deer. The fallow deer is native to continental Europe, and was introduced to the UK in the 11th century by the Normans for hunting. The males are called bucks, the females are called does, and a young fallow deer is a fawn. A large buck can be 90cm at the shoulder and weigh up to 93kg. The bucks are iconic and have large branching antlers which they
shed in early spring and regrow each year in spring and summer. The roe deer is a smaller deer, males and females are of similar size and can weigh up to 25kg and stand 0.75m at the shoulder. Young roe deer are called kids, and they are normally born as twins. Other deer are not currently present in Plymbridge, although there are three species very close by in Dartmoor and along the South Devon coast. They are the native red deer, and non-native Reeves muntjac and sika deer.

 

How deer impact woodland

Unfortunately, a large deer population does have a negative impact on woodlands and other habitats. Deer feed extensively on young trees which would otherwise grow into mature trees, and on the shoots and leaves of scrub species, which prevents them from growing into a dense and varied shrub layer. A rich mix of woodland is essential to provide vital habitat for a huge range of birds, insects and other animals and these are sadly under threat due to the increasing population of deer. Much of the woodland at Plymbridge is ancient woodland. It contains an irreplaceable wealth of fungi, invertebrates and flowers that aren’t found in newer woodlands.
Much of the woodland is showing signs of high impact from deer but some areas that have been recently deer-fenced are now beginning to show encouraging signs of recovery. However the increase in crops and woodland cover along with the lack of natural predators and warmer winters has seen the deer population increase significantly. It has become necessary to manage the deer numbers to ensure the future of our existing woodlands, improve biodiversity in a range of habitats and preserve this special landscape for the future.

 

How we monitor deer

Every year, we undertake rigorous deer impact assessments. These assessments look at the regrowth of new trees and plants, tracks and footprints , dung, resting areas, and nibbled vegetation across the woodland. We also use thermal imaging equipment including spotters and thermal drones to help monitor the numbers of deer that are present on the estate each year. The deer counts and population assessments are carried out in winter and early spring before the fawns are born in May. Our deer management decisions are based on an assessment of the impact that the deer are having on the woodland, as well as the number of animals present in the wider landscape. We know from neighbouring farmers and landowners, who manage deer, that the deer impact is high. Damage to gardens and loss of grass and crops are significant issues for them. Incidents of road traffic collisions around the nearby roads are also increasing.

 

Why we need to manage the population

The woods and their associated flora and fauna are delicate and irreplaceable, and it's our responsibility to care for the health of theses habitats and the wildlife that relies on them. This includes limiting the damage that the deer cause to young tree saplings and wildflowers through uncontrolled browsing. In 2023 we introduced a deer management plan to try to limit the impact of deer on the woodlands. Since then we have begun a careful culling process to try to better manage the populations. We make sure that a balanced age distribution of deer remain within the population to allow for natural relationships to be maintained. As we progress with the deer management, we hope to see signs of recovery with increased regeneration of tree saplings and patches of brambles that make great bird nesting habitat. We also hope to see an increase in plant species, particularly those associated with ancient woodlands such as greater stitchwort, dog violets, primroses, and woodland ferns. Many of these plants are important sources of early spring nectar for insects.

 

Our deer management plan

The deer management process is carried out by National Trust staff or contracted out to external, professional deer stalkers. The stalkers work in quieter parts of the site and use rigorous methods to ensure that every shot is a safe. The vehicles they use have a National Trust badge on them. The majority of deer management is carried out between November and March, however some work also takes place in spring, late summer and early autumn.

Seeing deer in Plymbridge Woods

For those wishing to see deer, we’d recommend walking quietly and keeping dogs on a short lead. Choose parts of the woods that are away from roads and well used tracks. The best times of day to see deer are at dawn and dusk when they are most active. Deer are surprisingly hard to see within the tree canopy and it’s possible to pass very close to them without seeing them – you need to keep your eyes peeled. Deer can often be seen on woodland edges at first or last light. The deer here will aways be a part of the landscape, and we remain committed to them remaining an important and highly valued part of this beautiful place.

 

 

 

Thank you 

With your ongoing support, we're able to continue our vital conservation work. Thank you for helping to protect these special places.