ABOUT US.
Stewarding the Countryside with Knowledge and Care.
Meet The Team
Get to Know the People Who Make DCD Rural Work.
At DCD Rural, our strength lies in the experience and dedication of our team. With backgrounds in estate management, conservation, forestry, and ecological contracting, we bring practical knowledge and a shared passion for the countryside to every project. Meet the people behind the work—committed, certified, and ready to support your land.
FOUNDER
Dan De Baerdemaecker
With over 20 years of hands-on experience in deer management and estate operations, Dan brings a wealth of knowledge to DCD Rural. After studying Countryside Management, he began his career managing wild and enclosed deer across the UK, Europe, and further afield—including conservation-focused work in China.
Dan spent more than a decade overseeing the historic Woburn Abbey deer operation and went on to establish and manage the largest commercial deer farm in Europe in 2017. His expertise in rotational grazing and regenerative land practices has led him to set up and fence deer units in countries such as Italy, France, Latvia, and Russia.
A Nuffield Farming Scholar (2021), Dan founded DCD Rural with a mission to approach estate management differently—combining traditional knowledge with modern, sustainable practices to deliver long-term value to rural landscapes.
Nuffield Farming Scholar
FORESTRY SPECIALIST
Toby De Baerdemaecker.
Toby, Dan’s twin brother, has been a skilled forestry contractor for over 20 years. Specializing in large tree felling and the art of hand cutting, Toby is regarded as one of the finest hand cutters in the South East. In addition to overseeing the forestry operations at DCD Rural, he runs TMD Forestry and manages Southern Firewood, our sister company, which supplies premium logs across the South of England. Toby’s expertise and passion for forestry are at the heart of our sustainable land management practices.
JHD ECOLOGICAL
Hamish De Baerdemaecker & Josh Hughesdon
Hamish and Josh of JHD Ecological work in partnership with us to provide expert ecological support. JHD Ecological is an ecological contracting business specialising in the relocation of protected species from development sites, primarily in the housing, infrastructure, and renewable energy sectors. They also have extensive experience in managing invasive species & their expertise in ecological mitigation ensures that projects meet legal requirements while supporting biodiversity and conservation efforts.
GROUNDWORKS & CONCRETING
George Gunn
George, our groundworks and concreting specialist, brings years of hands-on experience in the construction industry. Having previously worked with TL Ltd., one of the leading groundwork contractors in the South of England, George has managed numerous residential and commercial building projects across the UK. His expertise in groundworks, including site preparation, drainage, and concrete foundations, ensures that all projects are completed to budget and to the highest standards.
Chat With Us.
Whether you're looking for support with fencing solutions, deer management, estate operations, or conservation planning, DCD Rural is here to help. With over 40 years of combined experience and a team of fully certified professionals, we offer practical, tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of your land.
We know that every estate is different, and we're always happy to have a friendly, no-obligation chat to understand your needs. Whether you're exploring options or ready to take the next step, our approachable team is here to offer honest advice and practical insight. Let’s talk about how we can support your land, your goals, and your vision for the future.