Step-by-Step Guide to Securing the CWS1 Deer Control Grant
Deer overpopulation is a major challenge for UK woodlands, impacting tree regeneration, biodiversity, and crop protection. The CWS1: Deer Control & Management grant, part of the Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) scheme, provides long-term funding (~£105/ha/year) to help landowners and conservationists manage deer populations effectively.
This step-by-step guide explains how to secure CWS1 funding and implement sustainable, ecologist-led deer management.
Step 1: Understand the CWS1 Grant
The CWS1 grant supports landowners in:
Developing and implementing a Deer Management Plan (DMP)
Installing deer monitoring exclosures
Conducting habitat impact assessments
Meeting RPA compliance and grant reporting requirements
Funding lasts up to 10 years, providing financial support for sustainable deer management and woodland regeneration.
Step 2: Draft a Deer Management Plan (DMP)
A DMP is a mandatory requirement for CWS1. It should include:
Deer population targets and control methods
Areas of woodland under management
Strategies for ethical population control
Monitoring and evaluation plans
Wildforce UK offers ecologist-led consultancy to draft compliant DMPs that meet grant standards and woodland management goals.
Step 3: Install Deer Monitoring Exclosures
Exclosures are fenced plots used to:
Measure the impact of deer browsing
Provide evidence for grant compliance
Guide adaptive management of deer populations
They must be installed in Years 1, 3, and 5, with photographic records submitted to the RPA.
Step 4: Conduct Deer Control Measures
Once the DMP is in place, implement agreed deer control measures, which may include:
Professional culling or stalking
Population monitoring
Seasonal management strategies
Accurate records of all deer management activities are required for grant compliance.
Step 5: Carry Out Habitat Impact Assessments
Habitat impact assessments should be completed in Years 1, 3, and 5 to:
Evaluate woodland regeneration
Track biodiversity recovery
Provide evidence for RPA audits
These assessments are a key part of demonstrating the effectiveness of your CWS1 deer management plan.
Step 6: Maintain Documentation for Compliance
To remain fully compliant with CWS1, maintain:
Photographs of exclosures
Annual deer cull records
Habitat assessment reports
Invoices, permissions, and bank statements
Step 7: Partner with Wildforce UK
Wildforce UK provides ecologist-led consultancy for every stage of CWS1:
DMP drafting and grant application
Exclosure installation and monitoring
Deer population management
Habitat assessment and reporting
With expert support, your woodland can thrive, biodiversity improves, and grant compliance is ensured.
Take Action Today
Secure your CWS1 funding and protect your woodland:
📧 Email Wildforce UK to discuss your project
📅 Book a consultation today via Wildforce UK