BIAZA & BDVA Deer Conference 2026

A collaborative insight into the different sectors of the deer industry: What can we learn from each other, and how can we progressively shape deer management moving forwards?
SOLD OUT!!

BIAZA & BDVA Deer Conference 2026

A collaborative insight into the different sectors of the deer industry: What can we learn from each other, and how can we progressively shape deer management moving forwards?
SOLD OUT!!

BIAZA & BDVA Deer Conference 2026

A collaborative insight into the different sectors of the deer industry: What can we learn from each other, and how can we progressively shape deer management moving forwards?
SOLD OUT!!

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

With Thanks to our Sponsors: Tyndale Deer Veterinary Services, Sylva Deer and Veterinary Services & Daninject

Day 1

07:00-07:45 Pre Conference Yoga in the Stretch Tent
08:30-09:00 Registration & Welcome Drinks
09:00-09:10 Welcome Introduction
09:10-09:40 Reproduction, Fertility & Genetic Salvage: What’s Possible? Kit Heawood
09:40-10:10 Reproduction & Nature’s SAFE Nature’s SAFE
10:10-10:40 Contraception in Scottish Reindeer Gwyneth RVC
0:40-10:50 Q&A
10:50-11:20 Tea Break
11:20-11:50 Discussion Panel: Pre-Import Testing for Zoological Collections, Deer Parks, & Wild Deer introductions
11:50-12:20 Antlers: What, How and Why? What Interventions should we take and how do we Select? Kit Heawood & Sam Ecroyd
12:20-12:50 The use of large ungulates in rewilding projects – Surrey Wildlife Trust
12:50-13:00 Q&A
13:00-14:00 Lunch
14:00-15:00 Practical Session
15:00-15:30 Chronic Wasting Disease & Prion Diseases APHA
15:30-16:00 Notifiable Diseases in the UK Sam Ecroyd
16:00-16:40 WWR Hydraulic Crush Jamie Dodd & Julian Stoyel BIAZA TB Focus Group Sarah Smith
16:40-17:10 Discussion & Close

18:30-21:00 Venison BBQ Reserve Lakeside – Arrive at reception from 18:00-18:30

Day 2

08:30-09:00 Registration & Welcome Drinks
09:00-09:10 Welcome Introduction
09:10-09:40 Lessons between Zoos, Deer Parks & Wild Deer Kit Heawood
09:40-10:10 Deer Management at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo Don Glyn
10:10-10:40 Firearms: Bullets, Ballistics & Methods Glyn Ingram
10:40-10:50 Q&A
10:50-11:20 Tea break
11:20-11:50 Deer Park & Deer Farm Management at Woburn Will Wildron
11:50-12:20 The Norfolk Deer Strategy Michael Anker
12:20-12:50 20 years of European Elk & Deer Management at Highland Wildlife Park Deborah Barclay
12:50-13:00 Q&A
13:00-14:00 Lunch
14:00-15:30 Watatunga Wildlife Reserve Tour
15:30-16:10 (10 minute talks) Mouse Deer Husbandry Netanya Noy Dan-inject Sponsorship Bob Lawrence Husbandry & Welfare in European Zoos Ricardo Figueiredo BDS Training: What We Can Offer Rhian Tyne
16:10-16:40 Discussion Panel: The Public Perception of Culling
16:40-17:00 Discussion & Close

Evening Social Event

The evening social event will take place at the lakeside BBQ hut within Watatuanga Wildlife Reserve.

Please arrive at reception from 18:00 onwards, we will head out to the reserve in various trailers and buggies, so arrive promptly before 18:30. If you are late call Molly on 07446976569 and a member of staff will come back to get you from reception.

The BBQ will be venison themed, we will ensure that there are some vegie options too.

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.

By Plane

Our closest airport is London Stansted, you can get a train directly from London Stansted airport to Watlington train station. The train is around 1.5 hours.

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 20% 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 DEER20, or quote when contacted directly via 01553 810414.

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.