A dated record helps you explain what has changed in your woodland. This is a simple observation method for landowners preparing a site discussion, not a formal deer impact survey or a way to estimate deer numbers.
Download the woodland observation sheet (CSV). Open it in a spreadsheet, add one row per observation point on each visit, or print the headings to use in a notebook. The file is blank apart from its headings; nothing is submitted to this website.
Choose places you can revisit
Mark observation points on a site plan and give each a short reference, such as “east ride, point A”. Include places where young growth is doing well as well as those causing concern. Keep the route manageable so you can repeat it.
For each point, choose a recognisable place to stand and a direction for photographs. Note these on the plan. If you change a point or cannot visit it, record that rather than silently substituting somewhere else.
What to record on each visit
The downloadable sheet includes these fields:
- Visit date and observer: who recorded the observations and when.
- Point reference and location: the same reference used on your plan.
- Objective and tree or plant: what you want to protect; write “unknown” if you cannot identify it.
- Growth and damage observed: describe shoots, foliage or bark, including where damage occurs and its height above ground where practical.
- Animal signs: record sightings or other signs separately; include uncertainty.
- Protection condition: note the condition of guards, gates or fencing you can safely inspect.
- Photo references: filenames linking the notes to both a wider view and a close-up.
- Changes since the last visit: repairs, planting or other work, and any relevant conditions.
- Next action and review date: what needs following up and when you intend to return.
An example observation might read: “Three saplings beside the gate have missing side shoots; guards upright; cause unconfirmed.” This describes evidence without turning it into a diagnosis. It is an illustrative example, not a Wellow site record.
Make photographs comparable
Take a wider photograph to locate the observation, then a closer view of the detail. Include a scale where practical. Keep original files and use names that connect to the date and point reference in your notes.
Return to the same position and direction. Record anything that makes comparison difficult, such as obscuring vegetation or a different season. Keep the earlier photographs rather than replacing them with the latest visit.
Review the pattern
Compare several points and visits. Note where new growth persists, where damage recurs and whether the condition of protection has changed. A quiet visit or fewer sightings alone does not demonstrate woodland recovery.
The Forestry Commission recommends monitoring and reviewing management in its woodland creation and deer guidance. Formal assessment may be needed for a management plan; these informal notes do not replace it.
Use your records in a discussion
Bring the site plan, dated notes and photographs, together with your priorities and existing management arrangements. If you are unsure what caused the damage, our deer damage guide links to official visual references.
For next steps, read protecting young trees, explore our deer management service or discuss your woodland with us. There is no need to wait for a full season of records before making an enquiry.