herbivore impact Assessments

Herbivore Impact Assessments (HIA) help us measure how animals such as deer, wild boar and squirrels affect woodlands health, regeneration and biodiversity.

At GCA Forestry UK, we use plot-based and transect surveys to assess browsing, bark stripping, tree damage and impacts on natural regeneration. This provides a clear picture of herbivore pressure across a woodland.

Excessive herbivore activity can also reduce understorey vegetation and regeneration, affecting the wider ecosystem and the wildlife that depends on it.

Our assessments provide a measurable baseline to monitor change over time, evaluate management measures and support woodland management and grant applications.

We provide landowners with clear, practical information to help them understand herbivore impacts and make informed management decisions.