Precision Deer Counts from Above
Aerial Thermal Imaging for Smarter Wildlife Management
With wild deer populations steadily rising across the UK, effective wildlife management has become more important than ever. From forestry and farmland to private estates and rewilding projects, understanding how many deer are present — and where they’re moving — is crucial for making informed decisions. That’s where we come in.
At PB Aerial Imaging, we offer specialist drone-based deer counting and wildlife monitoring services using state-of-the-art thermal imaging technology. Our approach is accurate, non-intrusive, and incredibly efficient — delivering the kind of insight that traditional ground surveys often miss, particularly in remote or difficult terrain.
Why Monitor Deer Populations?
Whether it’s roe deer quietly browsing woodland edges or red deer ranging across open hills, the UK’s six wild species all have an impact on the land. In the right numbers, deer support biodiversity and bring life to rural landscapes. But when populations grow unchecked, they can cause real damage:
- Stunted tree growth and failed woodland regeneration
- Crop losses and damaged agricultural margins
- Habitat degradation and reduced plant diversity
- Genetic hybridisation (particularly with species like sika)
Without good data, it’s impossible to manage effectively. And that’s where aerial thermal surveys come into their own.
How Our Deer Surveys Work
Using DJI drones equipped with high-resolution thermal cameras, we fly targeted missions at optimal times — typically at dawn or dusk, when deer are most active and temperature contrast is highest.
What You Get:
- Accurate head counts of deer herds, even in thick woodland
- Mapping of movement patterns and habitat preferences
- Geo-referenced data for integration into land management plans
- Minimal disruption to wildlife or habitat
- Rapid turnaround of imagery and reports
Our surveys are ideal for:
- Estates looking to balance conservation with deer control
- Forestry operations concerned about browsing damage
- Landowners and farmers wanting to assess impact on crops
- Wildlife charities and councils needing reliable population data
Coverage You Can Rely On
Based in the north of Scotland, we cover rural and coastal areas across the UK, Ireland, and the EU — from Highland glens to southern estates, we’re comfortable operating in challenging conditions where others may hesitate.
We’ve worked with conservation groups, wildlife trusts, estate managers, and government bodies to deliver thermal deer counts that help inform long-term strategies — whether that’s culling, relocation, fencing, or simply ongoing monitoring.
Working Together for Responsible Management
Deer are a vital part of our natural heritage, but responsible population control is key to maintaining healthy woodlands and productive farmland. At PB Aerial Imaging, we’re proud to support that balance — using technology to deliver clarity, without the guesswork.
If you’d like to understand more about your local deer population or are considering thermal surveys as part of a wider land management plan, get in touch. We’re always happy to chat through what’s possible and tailor a solution that fits your land, your goals, and your budget.
