AN explosion in the deer population has prompted the British Deer Society, a charity dedicated to the welfare of deer, to carry out one of the most ambitious deer counts ever conducted and is urging all those with an interest in wild deer to get involved.

Surveys between this year and 2009 will provide important information about the future management of the six species of wild deer in the UK including Red Deer, Fallow Deer, Sika, Muntjac and Chinese Water Deer.

Tony Dalby-Walsh, co-ordinator of the survey for the BDS, said: "This is a major piece of research work and will lay down the future management and conservation needs of our resident deer population."

Information packs are available from The British Deer Society, Burgate Manor, Fordingbridge, Hampshire SP6 1 EF.

It can be contacted on 01425 653553, email h.q@bds.org.uk, website www.bds.org.uk.