As we step into 2025, the urgency of addressing our climate and biodiversity crises has never been clearer. Across the UK, woodland creation is at the forefront of these efforts, with ambitious goals like the Government’s plan to plant 30,000 hectares of new woodland annually.

But as we celebrate these initiatives, we must also critically examine their execution. The interplay between woodland creation and deer management presents one of the most significant challenges—and opportunities—for landowners, forestry professionals, and deer managers this year.