Deer species:

The UK has six species of deer these include the native Roe Deer and Red Deer, Fallow Deer have also been in the UK so long they are now very much a part of the UK countryside.

Other species include Sika Deer, Chinese Water Deer and Muntjac.

Muntjac

Muntjac as we know them were imported into UK Deer Parks in the 1940’s and 50’s. Subsequent releases have resulted in them now being widely spread across much of southern England and the Midlands. Muntjac are unique amongst UK Deer Species in that they are able to breed throughout the year, the Doe being able to give birth on average every 7-9 months.

The Muntjac has adapted well to the UK and can now also be found in many sub urban surroundings. Their love of deciduous shrubs combined with their secretive nature and ability to find a way through almost any type of fencing make them the common enemy of many gardeners.

Roe

This elegant and long legged Deer can be found across much of the UK. Tending to be found in groups rather than herds their ability to blend into woodland environments make them difficult to spot and able to exist in relatively small areas of cover unnoticed.

In contrast to many other deer Antler eruption amongst the Bucks occurs over the spring and early summer, the quality of which in the UK is widely seen as a credit to our British Deer Managers and a draw for trophy hunters from around the world.

Sika

Sika since their introduction in the 19th Century remain largely localised to Scotland with a few noticeable exceptions in Dorset, East Anglia and Kent. A herding deer, Sika are similar in size to fallow however have been known to mate with our native red deer causing frequent Sika/Red hybids.

Sika are noted for causing extensive damage to trees from their characteristic raking of bark also know as "bole scoring".

Fallow

This widely recognisable deer is often attributed to Parks due its highly attractive appearance and the large palmated antlers of the Buck. Of the variety of Fallow likely to be encountered, (Menil, Common and Melanistic) it is the Menil variety with its light beige coat and white spots that are most highly regarded.

Fallow can be found predominantly in the southern counties of England and across much of the Midlands. Bucks can grow up to 95kg in favourable conditions and Doe’s in excess of 50kg. They can be associated with tree damage and as a herding Deer are often responsible for considerable crop damage.

Chinese Water Deer (CWD)

Generally a solitary deer CWD can be found mainly in Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire. Though doing well their specific habitat requirements of reed beds have meant that they have not spread far beyond their initial release site of Woburn Abbey.

CWD are unique in so much as they do not grow typical antlers but instead exhibit large sharp tusks.

Red Deer

Possibly the most familiar of all UK Deer the native Red Deer is our largest species growing up to 115cm at the shoulder and up to 250kg in weight. Most people will have seen images of the classic twelve pointed antlers of a "Royal" stag and be aware of its characteristic "bellow".

Traditionally thought of as purely a Scottish Deer, herds can also be found in Exmoor whilst a few examples can also be found in counties elsewhere in the UK due to accidental escapes from Parks.