Deer management in Ireland

The deer observed by Seamus Heaney in Glanmore or the Devil's Glen Wood, Co Wicklow were probably Japanese Sika, one of three main deer species in Ireland.

Sika originated in Kyushu Island, Japan and were introduced to the Powerscourt Estate, Wicklow in 1860 and Muckross, Killarney in 1865.

The other species are the native red (with some introductions) and fallow, which is the most widespread deer species. It is native to Turkey and was introduced to Ireland by the Normans.

In recent years a small but increasing number of muntjac deer have been recorded. The introduction and release of muntjac deer is a criminal act under the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000.

Deer species, if sustainably managed, are regarded as an important national resource while the red, in particular the native Kerry red deer herd, is of international importance.

Some herds in places such as Killarney (native red), Phoenix Park (fallow), Glenveagh (introduced red) have achieved wildlife iconic status, which can make the topic of deer management and control a controversial subject, especially where culling is involved.

But these issues need to be addressed, especially in parts of the country such as Co Wicklow, where deer numbers are unsustainably high.

As a result, serious economic and ecological damage is caused. Without management and control, deer can cause major damage to woodlands through browsing, bark stripping and fraying. Damage to tillage crops has also been recorded.

Teagasc suggests a number of measures to limit damage including deer fencing and plantation design that incorporates open grassy areas along streams and boundaries.

However, where deer numbers exceed the carrying capacity of their habitats, it is virtually impossible for individual forest owners to control damage. Which is why there is widespread support for the recent National Deer Management Strategy (see panel) promoted by deer stakeholders and issued by the Woodlands of Ireland (WI), an organisation established in 1998 to focus attention on Ireland's native woodland resource.

This approach has been agreed and supported by a variety of other stakeholders.

''The group represents recreation, woodland conservation and forestry interests,'' according to Dr Declan Little, project manager of WI.

''Already it has received support from a wide range of organisations which should give a stronger voice in lobbying for a national deer strategy,'' he said.

The Heritage Council is supporting this initiative as well as a recent report commissioned by the Wicklow Deer Management Group (WDMG).

Entitled 'Developing a Collaborative Strategy for the Management and Control of Invasive Deer Species in Co Wicklow', it is intended to be a flagship project as the county has been ''at the forefront of deer management issues in Ireland''.

The report states: ''The number of deer harvested in Wicklow is consistently over 40% of the national harvest and the number of licences issued for deer shooting in Wicklow is significantly greater than for any other county.''

Prepared by three consultants specialising in forestry (Paddy Purser), zoology (Dr Ruth Carden) and ecology (Faith Wilson), it proposes to re-establish two pilot deer management plans in the county as well as making seven other recommendations.

These include the establishment of a network of monitoring plots to support a research study on the effect of deer on various land uses (including heritage, agriculture, forestry and hunting).

It also plans to produce information on deer management and incidences of TB in deer. It will publish an annual review of progress to measure performance.

Launched by Michael Starrett, chief executive of the Heritage Council, the report states bluntly: ''Current population levels of deer are considered unsustainable resulting in economic and ecological damage and reduced sporting value.

''For this reason, deer require management and this is best achieved through collaboration between land owners / managers, hunters and the relevant authorities.''

WDMG stresses the need for a partnership approach, as ''there are no such collaborative plans currently in operation across multiple property ownerships in Ireland''.

The report has widespread support from organisations such as the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Coillte, the Wicklow Deer Society, the Irish Deer Society, IFA and the Irish Timber Growers Association, who are all members of WDMG.

If successful, the Wicklow approach will serve as a template for other deer management groups as they develop elsewhere in Ireland.

While WDMG depends largely on voluntary input, it will require funding of around €46,000 over the next four years to finance the pilot plans, although the report advocates that deer management needs to become self-financing in the medium- to long-term. The State funding requirement in the short-term is modest considering the positive impact the Wicklow project will have on deer management in the county and ultimately at national level.