Views on venison sought for student research

Posted 9 March 2023

A fourth year BSc (Hons) Countryside and Environmental Management student is asking people about their thoughts on venison as part of her final year research. 

Originally from Preston, Lancashire, Lucy Marsden has been interested in the issue of deer management for more than a decade – and is now seeking to find out the general public’s perception of venison and deer management.

She said: “I am still intrigued by the ecological, economic, and social impacts of deer populations, and the intricate balance that maintains a healthy ecosystem and thriving communities. Additionally, the management of deer populations requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving aspects of wildlife biology, ecology, conservation, and human-wildlife conflict management and is not just as simple as people initially think.  

“Obviously, with some deer management techniques, venison is produced. As someone who is fortunate enough to have venison in my diet a lot, I often questioned why I don’t see venison more often in restaurants and shops, so my project is researching people’s perspective of venison and whether there are factors influencing people’s viewpoints.

“I am trying to find out whether an individual would or wouldn't eat venison based on their knowledge of the species, their impacts, and other factors.”

To fill in Lucy’s survey – which should take around ten minutes to complete – click here.

The research project caps a busy four years on her course for Lucy – who completed her industry placement with the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust’s Uplands Team in Durham last year.

She added: “Throughout my year as an assistant researcher, I was involved in a multitude of projects from monitoring Black Grouse numbers to looking at the effects of burning and cutting over blanket bogs.

“One of the main projects I was involved with was monitoring maternal Red Grouse; radio-tracking red grouse weekly, along with checking clutches and chicks, was a highlight of the year for me.

“During my placement I developed a strong work ethic and commitment to research. This experience not only strengthened my professional skills but also helped me to grow as a person - broadening my perspective and teaching me the value of hard work, determination, and a good waterproof coat!”

Lucy also cites the possibility for placement experience as one of the factors which attracted her to her course, adding: “Harper Adams stood out to me because of its reputation as a leading institution in the agriculture and land-based industries.

“Its strong focus on a practical, hands-on approach to learning and the opportunities for real-world experience through placements and industry connections drew me to the university. I was also drawn to the courses that Harper offered, as well as the diverse range of opportunities available on campus.”