About Durnovaria Deer Management

About Us

Dorset Roots, Professional Standards

I founded Durnovaria Deer Management in 2022 after recognising a clear need for professional, accountable deer management from our base in Dorset. Too many landowners and estate managers were left frustrated by inconsistent approaches — occasional visits, no data, and no measurable impact — while crops, forestry, and biodiversity continued to suffer.

Having lived in Dorset all my life, I have always been passionate about deer and their role in our countryside. What began as an interest developed into a commitment: to deliver ethical, evidence-based management that truly supports farmers, estates, and conservation organisations.

Professional, qualified deer management rooted in Dorset.

Training & Qualifications

My deer management journey began over 15 years ago, when I assisted a friend with deer management on a large estate in the New Forest, working with substantial herds of fallow and red deer. These early experiences gave me invaluable insight into deer behaviour, large-scale population pressures, and the importance of structured, ethical management. They also fuelled my drive to formalise my knowledge and pursue professional qualifications.

I have since completed:

• Deer Stalking Certificate Level 1 (2015)

• Deer Stalking Certificate Level 2 (2021)

• LANTRA Advanced Deer Management (2023)

• Emergency First Aid at Work (+ Forestry)

• Humane Animal Dispatch

This progression means I can deliver population surveys, structured cull planning, humane control, and stakeholder reporting to the highest professional standard.

To reinforce this, Durnovaria Deer Management is:

• Fully insured through BASC with up to £10 million Public Liability, Employer Liability, and Product Liability cover.

• A member of the British Deer Society (BDS), ensuring our work is aligned with the latest research, ethical frameworks, and best-practice guidance.

• Committed to UK Deer Best Practice Guides, developed by the Deer Initiative and endorsed by DEFRA, Forestry England, and Natural England.

Together, this experience, training, membership, and insurance demonstrate a clear commitment to professional, accountable, and ethical deer management that landowners, estates, and conservation partners can trust.

Our Work Today

We provide professional deer management across private farms, large estates, and public-access conservation land. Our work protects crops and forestry while supporting woodland regeneration and biodiversity where needed.

This includes both large-scale, grant-supported deer population reductions and long-term management programmes, giving landowners, estate managers, and conservation bodies measurable results backed by clear reporting.

Based in Dorset, we also work across surrounding counties, combining local knowledge with professional expertise. While I take a leading role in delivering deer control directly, I coordinate with a network of trusted, accredited deer managers when larger-scale or more frequent operations are required. This ensures a consistent, reliable presence — never casual or ad hoc.

Why Choose Us

With local knowledge, advanced training, full insurance, and a commitment to transparency, Durnovaria Deer Management offers a service built on professionalism, not pastime.

We are here to provide solutions that protect land, support conservation, and give landowners the confidence that deer are being managed properly.

Contact us today to arrange a deer management strategy meeting.