THE GREAT British deer count is under way.

The British Deer Society, a national registered charity dedicated to the welfare of deer, is carrying out one of the most ambitious deer counts in this country, and it is urging all those with an interest in wild deer to get involved.

The 2005 Great British Deer Survey aims to discover the distribution of each species. A second part of the project, which will take place between 2006 and 2009, will add further to understanding deer populations by studying trends in age-class and sex ratio distributions, as well as helping to identify precise numbers.

Together these surveys will provide important information about the future management of the six species of wild deer within the UK including red deer, fallow deer, roe deer, sika, muntjac and Chinese water Dder.

Anecdotal evidence suggests numbers are expanding rapidly. This research will discover whether this is an accurate picture, by gathering information on the presence or absence of each species of deer in every 10 km square in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.

This is the second national deer survey the society has carried out. The first was in 2000 and data collected then survey will form the basis of comparison to identify any changes in population trends, densities and locations.

For those participating in the 2005 Great British Deer Survey, the society is providing free information packs, including information on where and how to count as well as an observer questionnaire form, which should be returned to the society's headquarters in Fordingbridge, Hampshire.

Tony Dalby-Welsh explained: "We need people to record current information only. If deer are still present within areas that were included in a previous survey then they should be included. However, if deer are not present in an area, but were observed there in years gone by, then they need to be recorded as absent. All information submitted needs to relate to the present situation so that we can build a really accurate picture."

To obtain information packs contact: The British Deer Society, Burgate Manor, Fordingbridge, Hampshire SP6 1EF (tel 01425 653553) or email h.q@bds.org.uk. The website is www.bds.org.uk