Defra launches England Deer Management Strategy consultation
The month-long consultation seeks views on recommendations to tackle the growing deer population in England.
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Five minutes with… Tom Ewin
Schöffel Countryside Awards 2026 Rising Star finalist
From helping Norfolk farmers with environmental schemes to surveying deer populations across the Broads, Tom Ewin is building a career that brings farming, conservation and practical wildlife management together.
Fresh from graduating with a degree in Environmental Land Management, Tom is now gaining experience as a stalking ghillie in Scotland. He has also been shortlisted for the Rising Star Award at the 2026 Schöffel Countryside Awards.
We caught up with Tom to discuss his career so far, his interest in deer management and his plans for the future.
Congratulations on being shortlisted for the Rising Star Award. How did you feel when you found out?
It was a real surprise. I felt incredibly honoured that someone had taken the time to nominate me. Having only recently graduated, it’s a fantastic opportunity and a real confidence boost as I start building my career.
The other finalists include some very well-respected names in conservation, so it’s a privilege to be included alongside them.
Tell us a little about your background and what has led you to this point.
I recently graduated from Harper Adams University with a degree in Environmental Land Management. During my placement year, I worked with the Norfolk Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group. I helped farmers with Sustainable Farming Incentive and Countryside Stewardship applications, wetland restoration projects and nature-based solutions designed to reduce flooding and create wildlife habitat.
The placement showed me how farming and conservation can work together. It confirmed that this is the direction I want my career to take.
You’ve also developed a strong interest in deer management. Where did that come from?
Deer management has always been part of my background, but during my placement I joined a Defra-funded project on sustainable deer management. This included mapping venison markets, helping to organise training for deer stalkers and carrying out drone surveys to establish deer populations across the Norfolk Broads.
Outside work, I also help manage deer on a local estate alongside woodland creation, hedgerow planting and environmental schemes. It’s a busy mix, but every project is different, which keeps it interesting.
What does a typical day look like for you?
At this time of year, it’s relatively quiet before harvest begins. I’m currently planning a new woodland planting scheme on our family farm. This includes arranging deer fencing and managing the practical side of getting everything established.
Having just finished university, I’ve also used this time to get life back in order before things get busy again.
Education seems to be something you’re passionate about too.
Definitely. I’ve spent quite a bit of time giving talks at schools, colleges and Young Farmers’ Clubs.
I think education is incredibly important. The more people understand how conservation, farming and wildlife management fit together, the easier it becomes to find practical solutions that benefit everyone.
What do you think farming and shooting can learn from each other?
Both sectors have a lot in common. In my experience, it’s about balancing productive land use with environmental improvements.
Farmland often includes areas that aren’t especially productive, such as wet corners, awkward field edges, or places that are difficult to farm efficiently. You can manage these in ways that benefit wildlife without affecting the farm’s productivity.
I also think the shooting community has an opportunity to be more proactive in showcasing the environmental work that accompanies responsible game and deer management. Some fantastic conservation projects are underway and sharing those stories can help people understand the broader benefits.
Finally, what’s next for you?
I’m hoping to find a role where I can continue bringing together farming, conservation and deer management.
I’ve recently started seasonal work as a stalking ghillie at Tulchan Glenisla in Scotland. It’s giving me valuable practical experience through conservation work, herbivore management, woodland planting and regeneration, predator control and peatland restoration.
In the long term, I’d like to continue building my practical experience while supporting education and encouraging more people to engage positively with conservation.
Being recognised as a Rising Star finalist has been a brilliant start, and I’m excited to see where the next few years take me.
Schöffel Country’s Will Pocklington has spent the past year visiting and filming several finalists from the 2025 and 2026 awards.
He said: “The calibre of entries has been outstanding. Highlighting the efforts of those who are doing remarkable things for wildlife in the countryside is something we’re committed to as a brand.
“To do that in partnership with the GWCT, whose research and science are central to so many biodiversity success stories across the UK, is hugely rewarding.”
We wish Tom every success at this year’s Schöffel Countryside Awards and the best of luck for November.
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