The results of a second deer drone-survey in the Broads, covering the largest area in the UK (65 estates, over 25,000ha) shows that deer populations are having a significant impact upon both arable crops and on the delicate ecology in the Broads National Park. 

The deer surveys (in February 2024 and March 2025) have been welcomed by farmers and land managers, who will use this evidence-based approach to inform strategies for sustainable management of Broads’ deer populations going forward.  
 
While many Broads’ farmers, land managers and Nature Reserve managers are working towards nature recovery targets to improve land, woodland and hedgerows for wildlife, the rapid increase in non-native deer populations is having a critical impact upon conservation and restoration efforts. For example, the Authority has reported heavy grazing of the rare Crested Buckler Fern at Reedham Marshes/How Hill. In the river Ant Valley, grazing of Fen Orchid may be an issue.  

There may also be potential impacts on species that rely on plants grazed by Chinese Water deer, such as milk parsley, the only food source for the caterpillars of the rare Swallowtail butterfly, which depends on the Broads for its survival.  

The most concerning issue is the physical damage caused by thousands of deer living in the wetlands of the Broads, which affects up to 11% of rare fen habitat through peat destruction, trampling, and trackway formation, often making habitat and water management significantly more challenging. 
 
On farmland in particular, deer grazing impacts on crops such as the tubers of sugar beet, and deer droppings in grain stores can decimate yields, affecting farmers’ livelihoods. 
 
Positive effects of deer were observed at one Estate, where deer tracks through reed opened access to the interior for fish such as Rudd and therefore could benefit the rare Bittern. The browsing of bramble in drier reedbeds and transition areas was thought beneficial in the Trinity Broads area. Scrub browsing was occasionally cited as a potential benefit in fen and reedbeds. 

Methods and results  
To develop the survey approach, the Authority worked with partners at the Forestry Commission and Natural England, who use similar monitoring approaches. 
 
This year’s survey results show a population increase in deer compared to the 2024 results. While the survey estimated overall minimum population, actual deer numbers are likely higher. Deer density in the Broads increased from 17 per km² in 2024, to 20 per km² in 2025 (which is classified as ‘high density’) at the time of year when the population is at its lowest, following winter management and before the summer breeding season. The highest densities of deer were found in wet woodlands, fens, and reedbeds, where Chinese Water Deer were recorded in densities exceeding 100 deer per km² in some areas. The highest density of deer were found on the Broads Authority Estate at How Hill. 
 
Broads Authority, Environment Policy Adviser, Andrea Kelly said:   
 
“Around five years ago we were unsure as to whether the growing deer numbers had any impact upon wetland biodiversity because there were no comprehensive surveys and systematic evidence of impact for the Broads. 
 
“Unfortunately, we are now certain that the impact is significant, and the Authority recognises the challenge and sensitivity around deer management in the Broads. We will not undertake any deer management but are supporting coordinated sustainable efforts through our partnerships and Farming in Protected Landscape grants.” 
 
Ben McFarland at the Suffolk Wildlife Trust said: 

“This deer survey has emphasised the fact that deer are much more prevalent in our landscape than they have been historically, and non-native Chinese Water Deer are reaching locally high densities on and off Suffolk Wildlife Trust reserves.   
 
“This work will play a part in helping us understand the ecology of our reserves better as we manage them for all wetland wildlife into the future.” 
 
Forestry Commission Deer Officer for East Anglia and the Midlands, David Hooton said:  

"Native wild deer are an important component of our landscape and play a role in healthy woodland ecosystems, however, excessive deer activity, such as foraging can put pressure on ground flora. 

 "The Forestry Commission is supportive of these surveys on deer numbers that allow us to better understand the impact on vulnerable habitats and help landowners in the area plan for greater management of a growing deer population." 

 
Natural England, Principal Officer for Woodland Policy, Adrian Jowitt said: 

 “Deer are an important part of our native wildlife but due to a lack of natural predators and increasing numbers of non-native species, they are now a major threat to nature recovery in many areas. 

 “Drone surveys, are vital in providing an evidence-based understanding of growing populations and the data collected can help us plan successful and sustainable deer management to protect native flowers and shrub which are important habitats for woodland birds, dormice and many other species.” 
 
Responses  
Deer management is already taking place in the Broads, but the question remains as to how it can be better coordinated to become more sustainable to work for the whole landscape, people and nature. The Authority will help bring together our conservation partners, deer management groups and those affected, working with the Broads’ Farming in Protected Landscapes programme to facilitate nature recovery.  
 
For example, Norfolk Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) is working on building a local venison supply chain and coordinating deer management groups.  
 
The Authority has a strategic role to protect these rare wetland habitats and work with partners to raise awareness of the impact deer have on wetland habitats in the Broads. The goal is to engage those who care about the region’s environment in a dialogue on sustainable management of deer in protected landscapes. 
 
The Broads Authority survey took place in partnership with the rural community, supported by the Forestry Commission and Norfolk FWAG. The surveys took place in February 2024 and March 2025. Drones, equipped with high-tech thermal and high-definition cameras, were operated by Ben Harrower Wildlife Consultants.  
 
For more information see the webpage: https://www.broads-authority.gov.uk/looking-after/projects/deer-surveys