Who are we?
Norfolk Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) is a charity and not-for-profit membership organisation that is run by farmers and conservation specialists. We are dedicated in supporting Norfolk farmers and landowners to manage their land for the enrichment of wildlife. Our farming advisory work is steered by our ongoing projects and our farmer members; our services have been created specifically with Norfolk farmers and landowners in mind.
Norfolk FWAG are working with our partners, including the Broads Authority and Forestry Commission and conservation organisations to develop a whole landscape deer initiative.
Impact
Norfolk FWAG’s mission is to support farmers and landowners to futureproof their land for the benefit of farming and wildlife, ensuring the long-term survival and prosperity of the Norfolk farmed landscape.
For decades, Norfolk FWAG has worked with farmers and landowners across the county to enter environmental schemes, and improve the farmed landscape. In more recent years, the organisation has supported farmers to shift to a more sustainable way of farming, increasing planting of woodland and hedgerows, as well as advising on arable reversion on non- productive land.
The charity has over 350 farming members, corporate members, and supporters, providing regular updates on the latest changes to farming and agriculture policy; helping farms big and small to keep abreast of changes.
To learn more, visit www.norfolkfwag.co.uk
Why are we crowdfunding?
Through working with our membership and partners, including the Broads Authority and Forestry Commission, it has been identified that deer management is a complex challenge. Deer numbers, mainly non-native deer such as Muntjac and Chinese Water Deer are increasing and causing significant damage to food crops, habitats and tree planting. Deer collisions on roads are also increasing in Norfolk. Up from 35,000 a year in 2003, with numbers today estimated to be around 75,000 a year.
With food quality and security continuing to be a challenge, there is a great opportunity to coordinate the provision of nutritious Norfolk venison and the high ethical and welfare standards.
This project will have a positive impact on the environment, with co-ordination leading to an improved understanding of effective deer management, long-term reduced damage to food crops and habitats, as well as increased education of the importance of deer management. Communities could also begin to see more opportunities to consume locally sourced meat.
Our partners (including the Broads Authority), along with our members and local deer managers, have expressed their willingness to support this crowdfunding effort. We believe this gives it a strong chance of success.
How we’ll spend the money raised
We are aiming to raise £10,000 with a view of accessing the Norfolk County Council environmental match-funding initiative. This £20,000 will see the recruitment of an experienced dedicated deer co-ordinator who will:
- Work with groups of farmers, deer managers, and stakeholders across Norfolk to improve the coordination of deer management.
- Develop local infrastructure plans to support effective venison processing, and assist with funding applications for additional funding from Farming in Protected Landscape, Countryside Stewardship and licences.
- Review routes to market and engage with the supply chain to bring high-quality Norfolk venison to local markets, via a clear and reputable brand.
- Host public events to raise awareness about the importance of deer management, and provide education on cooking and enjoying venison.
This project will take place from June 2025 to April 2026, with a view to securing future funding to continue the important role.