Deer numbers on the Lowther Estate have been reduced “quite drastically” by a cull intended to encourage regeneration of a more natural environment.
Both red and roe deer have been shot by skilled marksmen across the estate, where a “wilding” project is being instituted across an area of around 2,000 hectares. Included in the cull have been many of the 80 or so park red deer, with the intention being to reduce these to a more “family-sized” group of 10-15.
Estate manager Jim Bliss said: “We are running a nature recovery programme, aiming to restore as full a diversity of fauna and flora as we can. Wild flower meadows have been planted, the River Lowther has been re-meandered, tens of thousands of trees have been planted, fences have been taken down and a herd of Longhorn cattle has been established to help reinvigorate an otherwise tired sward.
“As part of this process, the herd of Lowther deer — some wild and indigenous and some park deer — has had to be rationalised.
“The UK wild deer population has exploded in the past few years. As with any imbalance, this has implications for the other fauna living both in the park and beyond.
“By cutting down deer numbers to a more sustainable level, we are also allowing the natural regeneration of oak trees in the deer park, which has been in place since the 13th Century.”
Excessive deer numbers result in overgrazing and the eventual loss of brush and shrubs in forested areas. Loss of undergrowth means there are no places for small animals and birds to shelter and nest.
Jim added: “All wildlife is valued at Lowther. We are working with Lancaster University to monitor the numbers and health of birds, insects and mammals – especially in the areas where our nature recovery programme is focused.
“Results to date are more than encouraging with, for example, a large lapwing flock appearing at Setterah Park, growing numbers of oystercatchers, owls, voles and pollinators, introduced beavers making amazing improvements to the wetlands, and the general diversity of bird species growing.”
