Bund Naturschutz criticizes deer management and urban development in Bavaria

The environmental organization Bund Naturschutz (BN) has issued criticisms regarding wildlife management and urban construction projects in Bavaria, Germany.

In response to new regulations introduced by Hunting Minister Hubert Aiwanger, BN Bavaria expressed concern that expanding red deer feeding opportunities will lead to unnaturally high deer populations. Martin Geilhufe, state chairman of BN, argued that allowing feeding into May, even outside of emergency periods, risks degrading forests into grazing lands and undermines the protective functions of the woodland. The organization also noted a potential conflict of interest regarding the Minister's role as chairman of the supervisory board for Bavarian State Forests.

Separately, BN is challenging development plans for the Hirschmann-Areal in Fürth. The Fürth Housing Company (WBG) intends to build 150 residential units on a 20,000-square-meter plot. BN warns that the proposed multi-story blocks and a central parking deck will compromise the site's natural character and its benefits to local residents, arguing that fragmented green spaces cannot replace a continuous forest area.