What Is the Future Of Our Beautiful Deer? Some Former Councillors Called For A Cull As Previous Administration Developed Management Strategy.

12th October 202612th October 2026 Francesca Lilleystone 0 Comments Cull, Deer, Havering, Wildlife min read

Havering’s deer population became a growing issue under the previous council administration, with councillors raising concerns about the impact on the borough’s parks and woodland, calling for a deer management strategy and, in some cases, advocating a cull. The debate highlighted the challenge of protecting Havering’s much-loved wildlife and what they state as safeguarding the natural environment.

The presence of deer is part of what makes Havering distinctive, with the animals regularly seen in parks, open spaces and woodland across the borough. But concerns have also been raised about the effect of their numbers on the natural environment, particularly where grazing and browsing can prevent trees and vegetation from regenerating.

During the previous administration, councillors pushed for a clearer approach to deer management, with the council undertaking a census to establish the approximate number and locations of the animals.

At a Full Council meeting on 26 March 2025, the administration confirmed that the census had been completed and that its findings were being used to prepare a more detailed report. The council said the work was expected to be finalised during the second half of 2025, after which a decision would be made on how to proceed.

The council’s Air Quality Annual Status Report, published in May 2025, also confirmed that the census was complete and the deer management plan was being drafted.

The work reflected growing concern about the balance between protecting Havering’s wildlife and safeguarding the borough’s parks, trees and biodiversity.

Some councillors called for a cull

As the debate developed, some councillors called for a cull to be considered as a way of managing the deer population and reducing pressure on sensitive habitats.

Others have emphasised the need to examine the evidence and assess the available management options before deciding on the best course of action.

A deer management strategy could consider population monitoring, habitat protection, woodland regeneration and other measures. A cull is one possible approach to deer management, but developing a strategy does not in itself mean that a cull has been approved.

The council’s public updates in 2025 confirmed that a plan was being prepared, but the documents reviewed for this article do not establish that the previous administration formally adopted a final strategy or approved a cull.

What happens next for Havering’s deer?

The future of the deer herd remains an important issue for residents who value seeing the animals in local parks, as well as those concerned about the effect of their numbers on woodland and biodiversity.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs published its Deer Impacts Policy Statement for England in February 2026, setting out the Government’s national approach to managing the environmental impacts of deer. That policy does not itself approve a cull in Havering.

The outstanding question is what happened to the local strategy being developed in 2025 and what approach the current administration intends to take.

Havering Council should be able to clarify whether the plan has been completed, what recommendations it contains and whether any measures have since been approved.

The deer are part of our borough and what makes Havering such a distinctive borough.

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