Deer on West Exmoor

Silhouette of a red deer stag against a cloudy sky — Silhouette of a red deer stag on West Exmoor | © ©National Trust Images/Fiona Hailstone

There are two types of deer found on West Exmoor, the red deer and roe deer, both of which are native and a much-loved feature of Exmoor. Find out about their history and how they are managed.

History of deer on Exmoor

It's estimated that Exmoor is home to around 3,500 red deer and fewer than 500 roe deer. Red deer first migrated from continental Europe around 11,000 years ago, taking advantage of lower sea levels that allowed for land passage. Evidence suggests that roe deer populations have existed in the region for over 10,000 years.

Large expanses of Exmoor and southern England were once covered by broadleaf woodland until it was slowly cleared in the bronze and iron age. The Normans protected deer populations by implementing ‘forests’ which are swathes of land reserved for the monarch to hunt deer and other game. By the 15th century, much of Exmoor had been disafforested, with the remaining parts eventually sold by the crown in 1819.

Deer numbers have fluctuated throughout history and in recent times their numbers have been rapidly increasing. It is thought that deer numbers have doubled in England in the last 25 years. The population increase is due to several factors including more growing of crops, increased woodland cover, lack of natural predators, escapees and releases from parkland deer and the 1963 deer act.

A herd of red deer against the sky — Red deer hinds on Exmoor, Devon | © ©National Trust Images/Fiona Hailstone

Deer Management

Deer on Exmoor are a much-loved feature. However, the deer population has grown rapidly in the recent years which causes significant impact to the woodland, damaging habitats for other wildlife that make Exmoor their home.

The woodland and heathlands of West Exmoor are recognised as being of international importance and are protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and Special Area of Conservation. This means we are required by law to care for the environment in a way that allows this wide variety of flora and fauna to flourish.

As part of our work to protect West Exmoor it is necessary to manage the deer population. We work with deer experts both internally and externtally to agree on a deer management plan.

Download the deer management information pack to find out more about the deer at West Exmoor and our work in this landscape.