Countryside Alliance Ireland - love the countryside

Saturday 2nd April 2011 marks a milestone for Wild Deer in Ireland with the inaugural Wild Deer Conference taking place in the Hodson Bay Hotel in Athlone. A growing need for a unified approach to issues relating to wild deer in Ireland has prompted the need to host an annual conference on the key issues affecting wild deer. 

This year’s conference titled ‘Is it possible to Build Consensus on a National Deer Management Strategy?’ promises to be a unique platform for discussion on issues and policy towards forming a unified approach to deer. 

A varied programme of speakers and topics which reflect the key challenges to and opportunities arising from a unified deer management strategy ensure that this is a must-attend for all stakeholders in wild deer in Ireland.

The day is split into four sessions with ample time for questions. It draws together representation from the scientific community, policy makers, land owners, hunters groups and international experience kick-starting the conversation ‘Is it possible to build consensus on a national deer management strategy?’

Presentations will include:

Release of Deer Species into the Wild – Costs and Benefits - Jaimie Dick - Queen’s University Belfast.

The Role of the Deer Initiative in England and Wales - Peter Watson – The Deer Initiative UK

Deer Management – Key Issues and Informing Perceptions - Declan Little – Woodlands of Ireland

The Deer Cull and Sale of Venison in Ireland – Collecting the Data - Jim Walsh

Deer Management Policy Development and Strategic Principles - Ciaran Nugent – Inter Agency Deer Policy Group/DAFF

Difficulties in attaining Stakeholder Consensus in a Deer Management Strategy - Peter Watson – The Deer Initiative UK

Wild Deer Management – The Issues affecting Hunters - Liam Nolan – Deer Alliance

Where do we go from here? - Barry Coad – Coillte Teoranta

This unique event is certain to become an established feature in the calendar of all stakeholders. It is expected that the conference will be oversubscribed so early booking is essential. Tickets cost €25 and include lunch and refreshments. Further information and a full programme with booking form are available from  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  or you can download your booking form by clicking here.

The Hodson Bay has excellent facilities and is conveniently located off the M6 outside Athlone town on the shores of Lough Ree. Voted best business hotel in Athlone it also boasts excellent spa & leisure facilities.  An accommodation rate has been agreed for conference delegates; the hotel can be contacted on 090 6442000.

Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis, only completed booking forms accompanied with cheque etc will be accepted.