High Croft Venison manages deer on Derbyshire. The deer carcasses are butchered and sold to local restaurants and farm shops.

The £8,000 Small Business Adaptation Grant awarded by Derbyshire Dales District Council funded the purchase of an all terrain vehicle (ATV) to allow better access to deer stalking ground and efficient collection of carcasses in all weather and ground conditions. The vehicle fits on the back of the owners trailer.

The new all terrain vehicle enables access to rough and boggy ground and woodlands, where access was previously too difficult. It is a small lightweight model capable of getting into tight spaces and carrying 200kg+, equating to four red or six fallow deer.

Time savings for the business are significant using the ATV. The increase in deer carcasses and time saved will be used to produce pet food which will be a new product and diversification to the business.

Robert Aiken (owner) says:

The management of deer is essential for welfare and protection of valuable habitat and the venison produced is a healthy sustainable product. The ATV which was grant funded by Derbyshire Dales District has allowed me to cover ground and extract deer more efficiently and is a valuable addition to my business.