Holnicote Estate in West Somerset has adopted a flexible mix of tree protection methods, including predator support, selective culling and repellents, to protect its diverse woodland from deer and grey squirrel damage.
Spanning 5,059 hectares, the estate is part of Exmoor National Park and includes 600 hectares of woodland. Owned by the National Trust, Holnicote balances visitor access, biodiversity goals and heritage preservation while tackling the growing challenge of wildlife pressures.
Grey Squirrel Control Across the Estate
Grey squirrels pose the greatest risk to tree health by stripping bark from young and mature trees, sometimes removing up to 70%. With lethal trapping no longer permitted due to the presence of pine martens, the estate relies on alternative methods.
Currently, trained volunteers use low-powered air rifles at fixed bait stations, with around 150 grey squirrels culled between October 2024 and June 2025. Operations are carefully risk-assessed to ensure public safety across the estate’s extensive footpaths and bridleways.
“At this level, a 16.27 joules air rifle presents a low risk. Operators are positioned away from public paths where steep valley sides provide a safe backstop.”
Simon Powne — Wildlife Biologist, National Trust
Practical Measures for Squirrel and Deer Control
- Use of volunteer syndicates with air rifles
- Targeted repellent sprays to reduce browsing
These combined methods are reducing visible woodland damage while maintaining safety and biodiversity across Holnicote.
Holnicote Woodland Protection Highlights
| Field | Achievement |
|---|---|
| Grey squirrel cull | 150 removed Oct 2024–Jun 2025 |
| Funds secured | Government grants via Landscape Recovery Scheme |
| Deer browsing damage | Reduced to below 20% with Trico® spray |
Adaptive Deer Management Approaches
Instead of fencing, which is costly and temporary, Holnicote applies a deer repellent spray (Trico®) made from emulsified sheep fat. Trees in Riverlands Wood are sprayed in spring and autumn, reducing roe deer browsing damage within the first year.
The estate also plants tree species in higher densities, maintaining glades and rides with palatable flora to divert browsing away from sensitive areas. These practices enhance biodiversity while balancing sustainable deer populations, maintained at around eight per square kilometre through selective culling.
To Sum Up
Holnicote Estate demonstrates how combining predator support, selective culling, and innovative repellents can protect woodlands without heavy reliance on fencing. The strategy supports tree regeneration, wildlife diversity, and long-term public access.
Through adaptive management, the estate shows that woodland protection is achievable when ecological, economic and social considerations are balanced in equal measure.
Sources: Forestry Commission, National Trust – Holnicote Estate, Confederation of Forest Industries, Scottish Forestry, and Forest Research.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News™, an independent news organization delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analyzed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
