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The status of damage by vertebrate pests to growing and stored agricultural crops is reviewed in the light of changing patterns of agricultural practice and land use within the UK. Significant problems and existing management techniques are briefly discussed. The results of recent research by the Agricultural Department and Advisory Service (ADAS) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food are explored to indicate the future direction of vertebrate pest management to reduce crop damage. Recent changes in legislation and public altitudes impose constraints on some of the approaches to solving problems. The continued role of traditional control methods is considered together with new opportunities and requirements to exploit the ecology and behaviour of pest species in order to reduce damage.