PA7 Species Management Plan for Deer and Grey Squirrels

Neil Cowley

Delivering Ethical, Effective Wildlife Management with GWD Wildlife Services

At GWD Wildlife Services, we specialise in delivering bespoke wildlife management strategies that meet the specific needs of estates, woodlands, and landowners across the UK. One of the core frameworks we operate within is the PA7 Species Management Plan, an essential document for the lawful and ethical control of certain species, including deer and grey squirrels.

What is a PA7 Species Management Plan?

The PA7 form is a requirement set out by Natural England under certain wildlife licensing conditions, particularly when landowners or managers need to conduct activities involving species that are otherwise protected. A PA7 plan ensures that management is not only justified, but strategically planned, humane, and scientifically informed.

At GWD Wildlife Services, we provide tailored PA7-compliant plans that integrate:

Population monitoring and species identification
Impact assessments on woodland regeneration and biodiversity
Control and mitigation strategies
Justification for actions, under licensing guidance
Ongoing review and reporting procedures

Managing Deer Populations Responsibly

Deer – including fallow, roe, and muntjac – can cause significant pressure on woodlands through overgrazing, bark stripping, and disrupting natural regeneration. Our PA7 plans assess population dynamics using thermal drone surveys and ground observations, allowing us to build sustainable cull plans based on age and sex ratios.

By aligning our methods with best practice, including British Deer Society guidelines and Deer Initiative standards, we help landowners strike the right balance between deer presence and woodland health.

Controlling Grey Squirrels to Protect Native Species

Grey squirrels are a major threat to UK biodiversity, not only outcompeting native red squirrels but also damaging broadleaf trees through bark stripping. Our PA7 Species Management Plans for grey squirrels include:

WS3 activity and impact assessments
Pre-baiting schedules and trapping plans
Use of air rifles and live-capture traps under legal and ethical frameworks
Monitoring outcomes to support long-term control

We also integrate supplementary woodland habitat recommendations to reduce squirrel activity and support tree recovery over time.

Why Choose GWD Wildlife Services?

Fully compliant with Natural England and DEFRA requirements
Experienced in drafting and implementing PA7 and WS3 plans
Utilisation of cutting-edge technologies, including thermal drones and night-vision surveying
Proven track record with estates, conservation trusts, and private woodland owners

Whether you need help with submitting a PA7 for a specific control licence, or want a full long-term species management strategy, we’re here to help.

Contact Us

To discuss your PA7 Species Management Plan needs for deer or grey squirrels, get in touch with GWD Wildlife Services today:

📧 info@gwdwildlifeservices.co.uk
🌐 www.gwdwildlifeservices.co.uk
📍 Serving estates, woodlands, and landowners across the UK

PA7 Species Management Plan for Deer and Grey Squirrels – GWD Wildlife Services