Diet selection by roe deer Capreolus capreolus in Kielder Forest in relation to plant cover

The diet of roe deer Capreolus capreolus in relation to the cover and abundance of ground vegetation was investigated at two sites in Kielder Forest, Northumberland. Positive selection was found for heather Calluna vulgaris, other dicotyledons and evergreen ferns, which together formed a large part of the diet. Coarse monocotyledons were avoided. Sitka spruce Picea sitchensis formed a significant part of the diet in spring. Differences in the diet were apparent between the two sites, with more Sitka spruce eaten and more browsing damage occurring on the site with the poorer soil type. The management implications of these results are discussed.