Writing species management plans for grey squirrels and deer

Watch our December 2025 webinar designed to support Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier applications. This webinar focused on what is expected of applicants and agents when they are writing a species management plan (SMP) for the control of grey squirrels or deer. We clarify what level of technical detail and effort is expected in a SMP for it to be approved by the Forestry Commission. Further information about species management is available on GOV.UK: PA7: Species management plans – https://www.gov.uk/countryside-stewar... CWS1: Deer control and management – https://www.gov.uk/find-funding-for-l... CWS3: Grey squirrel control and management – https://www.gov.uk/find-funding-for-l... CWD2: Woodland improvement – https://www.gov.uk/find-funding-for-l... 0:00 Introduction 1:45 Species management in CSHT 3:22 Squirrel management guidance 18:40 Squirrel management examples 36:14 Squirrel management exceptions 37:50 Deer management guidance 45:29 Deer management examples 49:58 Q&A