Fallow deer are the most abundant and visible deer species in Sussex, particularly around the Ashdown Forest area. Their distinctive spotted coats and impressive antlers make them a beautiful sight—but their booming population creates serious challenges for landowners, farmers, and woodland managers.

A Brief History

Fallow deer aren’t native to Britain. They were introduced by the Romans and later favoured by the Normans, who established them in hunting forests across England—including Ashdown Forest.

By the 17th century, fallow deer had largely disappeared from Ashdown Forest due to:

• Depletion of woodland cover
• Deterioration of the forest pale (boundary fence)
• Poaching

They returned in the 20th century, likely escapees from the Buckhurst Park estate on the forest’s edge. Without natural predators and with ideal habitat, their numbers have since exploded.

Current Population

Sussex now has one of the highest fallow deer densities in England. The Ashdown Forest area is a particular hotspot, with populations that have grown well beyond sustainable levels.

Exact numbers are difficult to determine, but the impact is clear:

• Woodland understorey stripped bare
• Agricultural crop damage increasing yearly
• Garden devastation across the region
• Rising deer-vehicle collisions on roads like the A22

Identification

Fallow deer are medium-sized with several distinctive features:

Size: Bucks stand around 90cm at the shoulder; does are smaller

Coat:

• Summer: Rich chestnut brown with white spots
• Winter: Darker brown-grey, spots less visible
• Variations exist including black (melanistic) and white individuals

Antlers:

• Bucks only
• Distinctive palmate (flattened) shape when mature
• Shed annually in April/May, regrown by August

Tail: Longer than other UK deer species, black stripe on white background

Behaviour

Understanding fallow deer behaviour helps explain why they cause such problems—and how to manage them effectively.

Social Structure

Fallow deer are herding animals. Outside the rut, does and fawns form groups of 10-50+ individuals. Bucks form separate bachelor groups or live alone.

This herding behaviour means damage often comes in waves—a herd moving through can devastate a garden or crop in a single night.

Daily Patterns

Fallow deer are crepuscular, most active at dawn and dusk. However, in areas with human disturbance, they increasingly feed at night.

Peak activity times:

• Dawn: 5-8am (varies seasonally)
• Dusk: 5-8pm (varies seasonally)
• Night feeding common in disturbed areas

Annual Cycle

Habitat Preferences

Fallow deer prefer:

• Mixed woodland with open areas
• Woodland edges and clearings
• Agricultural land adjacent to forest
• Large gardens offering food and cover

The Ashdown Forest landscape—a mosaic of heathland, woodland, farmland and rural gardens—provides ideal fallow deer habitat.

Why Management Is Essential

With no natural predators, fallow deer populations are limited only by food availability and disease. Without active management, numbers continue to rise until the habitat is degraded.

Environmental Impact

High fallow deer densities cause:

• Woodland degradation: Browsing prevents tree regeneration
• Understorey destruction: Wildflowers, shrubs and ground flora eliminated
• Biodiversity loss: Knock-on effects on birds, insects and other wildlife
• Heathland damage: Around Ashdown Forest, deer impact the protected heathland habitat

Agricultural Impact

• Crop losses to grazing and trampling
• Silage and hay damage
• Competition with livestock for grazing

Residential Impact

• Garden destruction (plants, vegetables, fruit)
• Tree damage including specimen and fruit trees
• Fencing costs attempting exclusion

Road Safety

Deer-vehicle collisions are a serious and growing problem. The A22 through the Ashdown Forest area is a known hotspot, with incidents occurring regularly. These collisions cause injuries, vehicle damage, and animal suffering.

Management Approaches

Effective fallow deer management requires:

1. Culling The only method that actually reduces population numbers. Professional stalking, carried out humanely by qualified individuals, is the most effective approach.

2. Fencing Can protect specific areas but:

• Expensive (deer fencing needs to be 1.8m+ high)
• Not always practical for large areas
• Doesn’t address the underlying population issue

3. Deterrents Repellent sprays and devices may provide temporary relief but:

• Need constant reapplication
• Deer often habituate to them
• Don’t reduce deer numbers

Professional Management

For landowners in the Ashdown Forest area experiencing fallow deer damage, professional management offers the most effective long-term solution.

I provide free deer management services for private landowners across East Sussex. This includes:

• Site assessment and deer activity surveys
• Humane culling to reduce local populations
• Ongoing management to maintain sustainable numbers

Get in Touch

If fallow deer are causing problems on your land, contact me for a free, no-obligation discussion.

Related reading:

• Signs of Deer Damage in Your Garden
• Deer Stalking Seasons UK