Woodoaks Farm in Maple Cross has come under fire from resident Adam Walker, who has claimed killing the deer is “absolutely unnecessary”, adding that the animals are “truly beautiful creatures who I enjoy seeing each morning”.
The Soil Association – which has run the farm for four years – said that “managing deer numbers is an established part of woodland and nature management across the UK”.
Mr Walker has lived near the 300-acre farm for 30 years but has had a number of run-ins with the Soil Association in recent years,
The 67-year-old mergers and acquisitions consultant said hundreds of birds were killed at Bottom Wood when ash trees were felled during nesting season, calling it “fundamentally wrong”.
Woodoaks Farm (Image: Adam Walker)
He said the past few years had brought a “disgraceful decimation of the woods”, leaving it “a horrible place to be” and resembling a nuclear explosion’s aftermath.
Mr Walker added: “A farm that has existed for 1,000 years is now run by academics with no practical learning or common sense.
“I find it heart-breaking that cows can be allowed to escape, dozens of deer could be culled and that hundreds of birds have been killed because of their arrogance in carrying out large scale forestry works at the wrong time.
“I see a consistent behaviour that displays a contempt for the wildlife.”
Woodoaks Farm (Image: Adam Walker)
Responding to Mr Walker’s criticism, head of the farm and Soil Association Trust officer Rose Lewis said: “Sadly, Bottom Wood has been severely affected by ash dieback, a disease caused by a fungal pathogen that has spread widely across the UK over the past 10 to 15 years.
“The disease makes affected trees increasingly vulnerable to branch and tree failure, creating both a safety risk and a significant challenge for the future of the woodland.
“We have therefore had to undertake substantial woodland management, prioritising Bottom Wood’s natural regeneration into a healthy, diverse woodland. We did this with advice from woodland experts and alongside our wider plans for nature recovery.”
Asked about the deer cull, she said: “High deer numbers are an important part of this picture.
“Deer are a natural part of our landscape, but when there are too many, the amount they feed on young trees and plants can prevent natural woodland regeneration. This is something we cannot ignore if we are serious about restoring Bottom Wood and creating a healthy ecosystem for the future.
“We understand that deer management, and particularly culling, is an emotive subject and it is not a decision we take lightly. But managing deer numbers is an established part of woodland and nature management across the UK.”
She stressed that the farm has “consulted extensively about our plans” and that staff are “always happy to listen and have constructive conversations”.
The farm has twice been featured on the BBC’s Countryfile programme in recent years and has this year begun work on a £2.5 million project to bring its Grade II-listed Black Barn back into use.