BIAZA and BDVA Deer Conference 2026
The BIAZA and BDVA Deer Conference 2026, in association with the British Deer Veterinary Association, will take place on Thursday 4th and Friday 5th June at Watatunga Wildlife Reserve. Join deer professionals, keepers, veterinarians, and stalkers for two days of expert-led discussion covering key topics including nutrition, antler biology, disease management, culling techniques, CPD, and best practices in deer management planning.
If you have any questions or queries regarding this event, please contact operations manager, Molly Ruder via operations@watatunga.co.uk
Day 1
- The anatomy of deer
- Notifiable Diseases
- Reproduction, Fertility & Genetic Salvage
- A discussion panel on pre-import testing
- for zoological collections, deer parks & wild deer introductions
- Foot & Hoof Diseases
- Antlers: what, how & why?
- Chronic Wasting Disease & Prion diseases
- Talks from the Deer TAG and associated EEPs
- IUCN Deer Specialist Group
- Tours of our hydraulic & drop floor crush systems
Evening Social: Lakeside Venison BBQ within Watatunga Wildlife Reserve, 6:30-9:00pm
Day 2
- Lessons between Zoos, Deer Parks & Wild Deer
- Deer Management at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo
- Firearms & Darting: Bullets, Ballistics & Methods
- Deer park & deer farm management from the BDFPA (British Deer Farms & Parks Association)
- Nutrition: All things deer
- 20 Years of European Elk & Deer Management at Highland Wildlife Park
- A discussion panel on the public perception of culling & barriers to animal transfers between: zoological collections, private holders, deer parks & wild deer.
- Tour of Watatunga Wildlife Reserve
Please be aware that these discussion topics and guest speakers may be subject to change as we are still in the middle of planning the conference. This is just to give you a rough idea in terms of the subject areas that we will be attempting to cover.
Transport Information
Watatunga Wildlife Reserve is located on the outskirts of the village of Watlington, near King’s Lynn, Norfolk. The entrance is just off the A10/A134 Watlington Road roundabout, heading towards Watlington, and is shared with the quarry. Please note that the postcode (PE33 0RG) can be unreliable for sat-nav users. For the most accurate directions, enter Watatunga Wildlife Reserve into Google Maps or use the what3words location contracts.recruited.resources, then follow the on-site signage to reception.
By Rail (from London)
Watlington is easily reached from London via a direct train from London King’s Cross, with a journey time of approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes. The reserve is just a five-minute taxi ride from Watlington station.
By Rail (from Cambridge)
Watlington station is around a 50-minute train journey from Cambridge, followed by a short five-minute taxi ride to the reserve.
By Road
The reserve is easily accessible by car and is located just off the A10/A134 Watlington Road roundabout, heading towards Watlington.
Taxi Services
Taxis should be pre-booked in advance, as local services can be busy and are not readily available at Watlington train station.
We recommend:
- Kings Lynn Cabs: 07367 670000
- Kings Lynn Taxis: 01553 763636
- Kings Abbey Taxis: 01553 767692
- Connect Cars & Taxis: 01553 776633
- Bishop’s Taxis of Downham Market: 07767 304684
- Cars 4 You: 07931 390832
- G & M Taxis: 01366 510810
- Luke’s Country Cars: 07480 957540
Address:
Watatunga Wildlife Reserve
Watlington Road
King’s Lynn
Norfolk
PE33 0RG
Sustainable Travel
Plan your trip by train, bus, bike or on foot using GoodJourney, which provides tailored, low-carbon travel options for your visit. The nearest train station is in Watlington, approximately 2 miles from the reserve. The N37 Lynx bus service stops at Andel Lodge, which is under half a mile from the entrance to Watatunga. Please note that there is no footpath between Andel Lodge and the reserve entrance, so extra care is required if approaching on foot.
Woodlakes Retreat
Delegates attending the BIAZA & BDVA Deer Conference 2026 at Watatunga are invited to take advantage of an exclusive accommodation offer nearby. Conference attendees can enjoy 30% off Liv Lodges at Woodlakes Retreats in Stow Bridge, just under five miles away and approximately a 10-minute drive from the venue. Set within a tranquil countryside setting, Liv Lodge offers a comfortable and convenient base throughout the conference. To access this preferential rate, use the booking code DEER30.
Places to Eat
Woodland Kitchen & Bar, Woodlakes Stow Bridge
Woodlakes, Holme Road, Stow Bridge, PE34 3PX (01553 601070): Situated in the Woodlakes complex, Woodland Kitchen and Bar delivers an outstanding dining experience, featuring breathtaking views of the lake and forest and a menu inspired by Mediterranean flavours.
The King’s Arms, Shouldham
28 The Green, Shouldham, PE33 0BY (01366 347410): This is West Norfolk’s first co-operative pub. The King’s Arms is a traditional 17th-century hostelry proud of its locality. Here you’ll find real ales served straight from the cask; good-value food using fresh local produce from Norfolk’s bountiful larder.
The Hare Arms, Stow Bardolph
Lynn Rd, King’s Lynn, PE34 3HT (01366 382229): Just off the A10, about a mile north of the market town of Downham Market. The Hare Arms combines a cosy pub interior, great food and a friendly atmosphere. Serving a diverse and tasty fresh menu of locally sourced seasonal dishes and a selection of cask ales.
Copyright © 2026 All Rights Reserved. Watatunga. Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy