Oh deer, oh deer, oh deer…
There are lots and lots of deer in and around Bepton. You’ll see large herds of Fallow, small groups of Roe Deer and if you keep your eyes peeled – the occasional glimpse of Muntjac deer. There are plenty of Muntjac in and around Midhurst and the Severals, we often see them on winter evenings on the drive home. Fallow Deer are perfectly suited to life on The South Downs, with arable areas for nighttime grazing and woodland for cover during the day.
Sussex has some of the highest levels of Fallow Deer in the country and deer management and deer stalking are essential for managing the population. If you wander around the woodland on The South Downs you’ll quickly see the damage that deer create. The undergrowth in is being destroyed by grazing which removes the habitat needed by woodland birds such as Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Nightingales.
I’ve read estimates that suggest a Fallow Deer cull of 60% is required on The South Downs. As a nation of Bambi lovers none of us like to see deer being shot but with vast numbers in the area something ultimately needs to be done.
Evidence that a Deer Stalker passed this way…
Bepton Ranger 