Wildlife

UK Stag Beetle Conservation and Deadwood Habitat

Conservation of the stag beetle in UK deciduous woodland and the importance of deadwood habitat.

Key Facts

Stag beetles are the UK's largest terrestrial beetle and highly charismatic
Larvae spend 3-7 years feeding on rotting wood before pupating
Loss of deadwood and old trees is the primary cause of stag beetle decline
South-east England holds the strongest UK populations
Wood chip piles and log stacks in gardens can provide larval habitat

Welfare Considerations

Stag beetle larvae depend entirely on rotting wood habitat that is being lost through tidying of gardens and woodlands, making deadwood retention a direct welfare intervention.

What You Can Do

Leave log piles and buried rotten wood in your garden for stag beetles
Report stag beetle sightings to the People's Trust for Endangered Species
Advocate for deadwood retention requirements in woodland management guidelines