In the middle of the last century, as a result of the industrial revolution, there was a requirement for water to supply Manchester. It was proposed that a dam at the northern end of Thirlmere in Cumbria would enable the level of the two existing valley lakes to be raised to form one large reservoir. In 1894 the dam was completed and the water level rose by 54". The area surrounding Thirlmere was planted with over 800 hectares of trees to protect the catchment and safeguard the water quality.

There is now a thriving herd of red deer and a few roe deer in the area around Thirlmere. The red deer are almost certainly derived from the Martindale stock. While they were formerly to be found on Helvellyn and at one time caused much damage in the woods there, they are now to be seen almost exclusively on the high ground west of Thirlmere and in the woods on that side of the lake. Today the herd consists of some 150 red deer and a cull of about 50 animals is required each year to keep it in balance with the habitat.

The BASC Deer Management scheme is open to all BASC members and is especially suited for novice or inexperienced stalkers. The scheme is primarily designed to provide practical follow on training for those who have completed the Deer Stalking Certificate Level 1. However those with little or no experience can be accommodated and an estate rifle is available for use on the scheme. If the estate rifle is used there will be a charge of £2.00 for each round of ammunition used.

All stalking which takes place as part of the scheme will be in the company of Laurie or Alastair Walton who manage the deer on behalf of United Utilities Limited, which is the landowner. The supervising stalkers are both accredited witnesses for the Deer Stalking Certificate and the scheme therefore offers members the opportunity to obtain evidence towards the Deer Stalking Certificate Level Two.

It is essential that anyone who intends to take advantage of the scheme has a basic knowledge of deer and stalking and is confident in using their rifle in field conditions. Practice is therefore essential! Potential stalkers should have zeroed their rifle and preferably taken the time to practice live firing from the sitting, standing and kneeling positions using a stick or other support. Before stalkers are taken out they will be required to demonstrate that their rifle is zeroed by putting 3 shots in a 4" group at 100 metres. Stalkers who cannot achieve this will not be permitted to stalk live quarry.

The BASC scheme allows members to cull 8 Red stags and 12 Hinds each year along with 5 Roe Bucks and 5 Does. The choice of individual animals to be culled will be at the discretion of the supervising stalker. 

Spaces are now very limited. Please contact the Deer Department on 01244 573047 or email before sending in an application form.

Document title	Document date
BASC Thirlmere Stalking Scheme information and booking form