Fallow Deer
Fallow deer are widespread throughout England and Wales, it is believed that they were introduced by the Normans in the 10th century. Grasses form the bulk of their food but they will also readily feed on arable crops, tree leaves and bark and many types of fruit.
Fallow deer have a wide coat colour variation, the common variety being tan/fawn with white spots, with a distinguishable black inverted horse-shoe marking surrounding the rump. Male Fallow ‘Bucks’ are the only British deer species with palmate antlers which refers to the wide section of a mature antler that resembles a palm. They normally cast their antlers in April. The rutting season occurs from October through until November, and the does will give birth in June to a single fawn. The average life span for a fallow deer is between ten and fifteen years.
Japanese Sika Deer
Sika deer originate from the Far East and were first introduced to Britain in 1860. Sikas are predominantly grazers of grasses and dwarf shrubs. Their antlers are similar to that of the Red deer and are cast between March and May. They are a similar size to Fallow deer.
During the summer months their coat is dappled like Fallow, with a very distinctive black dorsal stripe running along their back. In winter however, they have a greyish, brown coloured coat all over and the spots fade. The Rutting season takes place from the end of September until November, with stags defending a territory. During this time stags can let out startling whistles and squeaks to let their presence be known! The ‘hinds’ will carry their calf for seven months until giving birth from the months of May to June. The average life span for Sika deer is around fifteen years.
Red Deer
The population range of Red deer is expanding and they are widely distributed throughout Britain due to an increase in forest and woodland cover, they are typically associated with the Scottish Highlands. In lowland habitats Red deer mainly graze on grasses, shrubs, and berries.
Red deer are easily recognised, firstly by their size and then by their reddish brown coat. Male Red deer known as stags can boast antlers with up to 16 points or more. Most stags will cast their antlers during April, this happens annually. The breeding season or the ‘rut’ occurs from the end of September through to November. Hinds give birth to a single calf, rarely twins between May and June.The average life span for Red deer is around 15 years.
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