DAMAGE to woodland and the potential threat to road-users are two reasons why deer herds in the Wye Valley must be controlled, according to the AONB.

A survey in April revealed a rise in deer numbers and management measures are being looked at.

Andrew Blake, AONB officer for the Wye Valley, explained that one of the best controls is culling.

"This used to happen naturally, but wolves no longer roam the woodland so it is up to the landowners and managers to do this themselves," he said.

"But if one person shoots everything that moves, deer simply re-locate. Therefore culling must be carefully managed."

Deer herds running wild across the countryside are considered a problem due to the threat of road accidents, particularly on the A40 dual carriageway from Ross to Monmouth.

There are also concerns about the impact on woodland by eating leaves, bark and young shoots.

"Everyone enjoys seeing deer roaming the countryside, but, if you have too many, the woods simply do not grow," Mr Blake added.

"We must look at ways of helping individual land owners look after their land, through advice and information on the best way to cope with the deer."

Residents living on the Doward, meanwhile, claim deer are coming into their gardens to graze on the flowers and plants.

"This is a common problem and one that can only be solved by erecting fencing or growing plants that deer are not attracted to," explained Mr Blake.

Estimates reveal around 200 deer in the High Meadows and Doward area, more than 100 in Haugh Woods and Woolhope and between 50 and 100 on the Herefordshire/Gloucestershire border.