A deer drone survey - the second of its kind - has shown significant impact on arable crops as well as the delicate ecology of the Broads National Park.

The reports cites the most concerning issue as the physical damage caused by thousands of deer living in the Broads wetlands. This is affecting up to 11% of rare fen habitat through peat destruction, trampling, and trackway formation, experts say.

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Red deer on a cereal crop (Image: Broads Authority) The Broads covers more than 25,000ha and takes in 65 estates. The latest survey took place in March 2025 and followed a similar one in February last year.

The deer surveys have been welcomed by farmers and land managers who support an evidence-based approach to deer population management.

A rapid rise in non-native deer populations is having a "critical impact" on nature recovery work undertaken by Broads farmers, land managers and nature reserve managers, according to the report.

It cites heavy grazing of the rare Crested Buckler Fern at Reedham Marshes/How Hill and grazing of Fen........

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