Site overview
Deepdale Farm was one of the first farms to become involved in the work of Norfolk FWAG’s Norfolk Deer Strategy (NDS), back in July 2025, when Anna and Fiona invited us along to see how the farm was evolving into a haven for nature and people on the north Norfolk coast. Deepdale was the first farm to be mapped on the NDS mapping system, which now totals over 77,000 hectares across Norfolk.
Situated at Burnham Deepdale, the farm wraps around the village and totals some 288 hectares of rolling Norfolk countryside, encompassing woodland, grassland, arable land and marsh. Plentiful hedgerows offer connectivity, shelter, food and nesting habitat for farmland birds and small mammals, all of which provide ideal habitat for deer, both native and non-native species.
Farm diversification is also a key part of Deepdale Farm, with self-catering accommodation, a campsite and a thriving rural hub comprising a local shop, cafe and various other outlets to tempt both locals and tourists alike. The farm hosts many events throughout the year, bringing people together to better understand farming and the countryside, and how nature works alongside agriculture to benefit society as a whole.
Open Farm Sunday at Deepdale Farm – bringing people, farming and nature together
Deer impacts
It was evident from the first visit that the farm was becoming a haven for deer, with four species (Fallow, Roe, Muntjac and Chinese Water Deer) being seen within minutes of arriving. These deer were present in high numbers, and it was clear that if left unchecked, numbers would continue to grow exponentially.
Deer management had been in place, but it had been sporadic and ineffective. With significant environmental improvements planned across both the farm and woodland, it was crucial to embark on a new path to balance deer numbers with other natural aspects of the farming operation. Without effective controls, all of Deepdale’s land stewardship objectives and natural assets could be jeopardised.
Muntjac and grey squirrel taking advantage of a wild bird feeder at Deepdale Farm
Actions
Following the initial visit, and consideration of the current control measures and the potential impacts of increasing deer numbers, Anna decided on a new and proactive approach. A new deer management team (two proficient operatives) was appointed, with clear instructions to reduce deer numbers to below acceptable impact levels in order to balance species across the farm. This work follows the agreed Deer Management Plan (DMP) for the farm, which sits within the woodland and farm stewardship plans and agreements.
Harvested venison from the farm is now professionally processed by Norfolk Wild Venison in King’s Lynn and sold in the Deepdale Stores, reducing food miles and delivering healthy, field-to-fork alternatives to local people.
In line with, and complementing, this new approach, Anna has also agreed for a new and aspiring deer manager to be mentored by the two experienced operatives, allowing skills and knowledge to be shared and transferred. Detailed records of culled deer, effort, and time taken to carry out required tasks are being collected to inform both on-farm requirements and the wider NDS. This will help build the countywide evidence base needed to demonstrate control effectiveness, as well as highlighting potential growth in deer numbers and species expansion as countywide cull census figures are collated.
Deepdale venison on the shelves of the Deepdale Farm Shop, Norfolk Wild Venison
Outcomes
The success being demonstrated at Deepdale Farm is testament to the strategic goals of the Norfolk Deer Strategy. It is delivering effective and efficient deer management while reducing impacts on agriculture, woodland and nature. It is providing practical, on-the-ground training and mentoring for new entrants to the deer management sector, and it is bringing healthy, sustainable venison to the people of Norfolk and beyond.
Through events such as Open Farm Sunday, the general public is gaining a better understanding of how responsible deer management forms a vital part of land stewardship, helping to enhance the future of the countryside for all. This circular approach to utilising on-farm assets for the benefit of both nature and people epitomises what the strategy set out to achieve.
What’s next?
As the Norfolk Deer Strategy continues to grow through farm-to-farm collaboration across the landscape, more people will see the benefits of what joint efforts can achieve. Greater understanding will develop of how nature can be enhanced when balanced with farming, how deer should be responsibly managed, and how wild venison can become an accepted seasonal food to support healthy diets.
At the same time, a new cohort of responsible deer managers will be able to gain skills and knowledge passed down from generations of experienced and dedicated mentors.
For more information about the Norfolk Deer Strategy, please contact:
Michael@norfolkfwag.co.uk
