Billy Tannery x Knepp: Wild Deer Leather Collaboration

At Knepp, in West Sussex, the landscape has been left run wild. Or to put it more accurately, to rewild.

Central to this rewilding process are the deer that are found in all corners of the wildland. They play a key role in the ecological system that allows the Wilding project to flourish. Trampling the soil, creating new habitats, grazing on a variety of grasses, plants and berries, clearing the scrubland as they go.

In Britain however, the deer population has been allowed to grow beyond what is sustainable for a well-functioning ecosystem. This is because after centuries of rural landscape management and as we moved towards farming on a more industrial scale, an entire tier in our ecological system is missing. That of the apex predator. As a result, if deer numbers aren't controlled then they can remove an entire lower level of ecology in the landscape that our insects, birds and animals need to thrive. This is something that Knepp recognises, and so they step in to maintain the delicate balance of the Wilding Project.

The final piece of the jigsaw

For a long time Knepp has used the meat from these deer in their butchery, farm shop and restaurant. But complete circularity has always eluded them. Until now.

At Billy Tannery we have taken the deer skins, tanned them at our micro-tannery and through our British workshop crafted them into a range of completely unique leather goods. The beauty in this is that not only do the lives of these deer live on, their stories are told through the scars and variation that mark the leather. Finally, Knepp are able to complete the circle, to find that final piece of the jigsaw.

Shop this special collaboration here.

Watch the short film below or here.

The cast

Matt Phelps - Lead Ecologist, Knepp

Matt is in charge of all things ecology at Knepp. Having worked for both the National Trust and Sussex Wildlife Trust he is the perfect man to educate and inspire others about the amazing Wilding Project.

Ian Mepham - Development Manager, Knepp

A chef, food supplier and butcher. Ian is integral to the Billy Tannery x Knepp collaboration. Enthusiastic about ensuring the whole animal is used, Ian has championed the beauty of wild deer leather from Day 1.

Ned Burrell - Co-Owner and Head Chef, Knepp Wilding

Leading Knepp's team at the Wilding Kitchen, Ned's classical cookery training combined with his experience in some of the country's top restaurants makes for a menu that maximises the use of Knepp's fantastic produce. The rack of venison was a particular highlight when the Billy Team visited.

Lia Brazier - Creative Director, Knepp

Lia's is the creative eye behind the Knepp logos and website illustrations. Her passion for sustainable brands can been seen in the Knepp Wilding Shop, which she curates.