The Rut.

The fallow deer rut is a fascinating natural spectacle that occurs during the autumn months. Male fallow deer, known as bucks, engage in competitive displays to establish dominance and gain access to mating opportunities. This behavior involves vocalizations, such as deep bellows, and physical displays like parallel walking and antler clashing. The bucks also mark their territory with scent glands, creating a distinct musky odor. This intense period of mating competition can be observed in forests and grasslands, making it a captivating event for wildlife enthusiasts and researchers alike. Below is a urine filled musky scrape / wallow.

The Fallow deer

The fallow deer, scientifically known as Dama dama, is a graceful and striking species native to Eurasia. Recognizable by its distinctive spotted coat, the fallow deer has been introduced to various parts of the world due to its aesthetic appeal and adaptability. These herbivores are known for their elegant antlers, which are shed and regrown annually by males. They prefer woodlands and open grasslands, and are typically social animals, forming small herds. Fallow deer are important in ecosystems for their role in seed dispersal and as prey for predators. With a fascinating blend of beauty and ecological significance, they continue to captivate the attention of nature enthusiasts and researchers alike.

The Roe Deer

The roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) is a graceful and relatively small species of deer found throughout Europe, from the British Isles to the Urals, as well as in parts of Asia. Known for its distinctive reddish-brown summer coat that turns grayish in winter, the roe deer displays a white rump patch bordered by a black line. One of its notable features is the presence of short, erect antlers in males, which are regrown annually. The roe deer is a habitat generalist, commonly found in woodlands, grasslands, and even urban areas. It is a solitary animal, often observed foraging for a diverse diet that includes leaves, shoots, fruits, and even fungi. Renowned for its agility and speed, the roe deer is an essential part of many ecosystems, contributing to plant dispersal and serving as prey for various predators.

Lame deer

Sadly it is a regular site to see a limping deer in the British countryside. Generally these deer have lost a rear foot. This often happens as the youngsters get caught by the back leg when jumping stock fence, topped with barbed wire.

Having recently seen two Deer on neighbouring land, East Sussex Deer Management was out last night, with the intention of culling these animals.

We successfully culled I lame male deer, which was missing a back foot. Although this injury had healed the deer was under weight, weighing only 20 kg as opposed to the 30 kg that it should weigh at this time of year. Although people say these deer can cope life is a real struggle for them, and it is best that they are humanely removed from the herd.

The Reeves Muntjac

Becoming a lot more common in Sussex, the Reeves's muntjac deer, also known as the Chinese muntjac or barking deer, is a small but fascinating species of deer native to East Asia. With its distinctive barking call that echoes through the forest, it has earned its peculiar nickname. These deer typically stand around 20 inches tall at the shoulder and have a reddish-brown coat with white markings on their face and throat.

The Reeves's muntjac is an adaptable and elusive creature, often found in dense woodlands and thickets, where it feeds on a variety of vegetation, including leaves, fruits, and flowers. Due to their excellent camouflage and shy nature, spotting these elusive deer in the wild can be quite a challenge for wildlife enthusiasts.

One unique characteristic of the male Reeves's muntjac is its short, unbranched antlers, which can be quite sharp during the breeding season. They use these antlers to establish dominance and compete for mates. Females typically give birth to a single fawn after a gestation period of about seven months.

Antler Growth

The growth of fallow deer antler is a remarkable natural phenomenon that occurs annually in male deer of the species Dama dama. This intricate process showcases nature's ingenuity at its finest, as the antlers develop from tiny buds into impressive and majestic structures, contributing to the deer's survival and mating success.

The growth of fallow deer antlers typically begins in the early spring, triggered by increasing daylight hours and hormonal changes. Once initiated, a velvet-like layer of skin covers the antlers, providing essential nutrients and oxygen to support their rapid development. This velvet is rich in blood vessels, ensuring a continuous supply of nutrients that fuels the antlers' growth.

As the days pass, the antlers experience a remarkable surge in growth rate, often reaching up to two centimeters per day. This astonishing speed is essential because the antlers serve multiple purposes in the deer's life. They play a crucial role in battles for dominance during the mating season, as the stags compete to win the attention of females. Additionally, antlers serve as impressive displays of vitality and fitness, making the stag more attractive to potential mates.

Despite their remarkable growth, antlers are composed of bone-like tissue that is different from true bone. This unique composition allows them to be shed and regrown each year, unlike horns found in other animal species. Once the antlers have reached their full size, the blood flow to the velvet diminishes, causing it to dry and peel off. The stags will then help the process by rubbing their antlers against trees, which removes the dried velvet and reveals the polished, solid antlers beneath.

After the breeding season, usually in late autumn or early winter, the antlers have served their purpose and begin to weaken due to a decrease in testosterone levels. Eventually, the stags shed their antlers, and the whole growth process begins anew in the following spring.

The growth of fallow deer antlers is a testament to the marvels of nature's cycles, demonstrating the incredible adaptability and survival strategies of these majestic creatures. As each year passes, the deer embark on this awe-inspiring journey, adding to the beauty and wonder of the natural world.

Got a lot of deer in your land. They are doing more damage than you think !

Deer can cause significant damage to the environment due to their large population and feeding habits. As herbivores, they graze on vegetation, leading to overbrowsing in certain areas. This overconsumption can negatively impact the diversity and health of plant species, affecting the balance of the ecosystem. Young tree seedlings and shrubs are particularly vulnerable to deer browsing, hindering forest regeneration.

Moreover, deer can disrupt delicate habitats, such as wetlands and sensitive ecosystems, by trampling on vegetation and disturbing wildlife. Their activities can contribute to soil erosion and alter nutrient cycling processes. In areas with an abundance of deer, human intervention may be necessary to preserve ecological equilibrium.

Deer on the roads.

In the UK, deer-vehicle collisions (DVCs) have become a significant issue, posing risks to both motorists and wildlife. As deer populations rise and road networks expand, encounters between vehicles and these elusive creatures have become much more common.

The UK's countryside is home to various deer species, including fallow, roe, red, and muntjac deer. As urbanization encroaches upon their natural habitats, deer are forced to cross roads more frequently, leading to a surge in DVCs. Data from road safety organizations show that the incidence of such collisions has risen steadily over the past decade.

These collisions have serious consequences. For motorists, DVCs often result in vehicle damage, personal injuries, and even fatalities. Moreover, these incidents can lead to traffic disruptions and economic losses. However, it is the impact on deer populations that is equally concerning. The loss of deer due to accidents can disrupt local ecosystems and disturb the balance of wildlife in the affected areas.

Efforts to mitigate DVCs are underway. Road safety authorities collaborate with conservation organizations to raise awareness about the issue and educate drivers on how to respond when encountering deer on the road. Warning signs in areas prone to DVCs are installed to alert drivers, especially during high-risk seasons like autumn when deer are more active.

In conclusion, deer-vehicle collisions present a growing safety concern in the UK, posing risks to motorists and impacting deer populations. Awareness campaigns, precautionary measures, and responsible driving are essential to reduce the number of these collisions and ensure the safety of both motorists and wildlife on the roads. Continued efforts are crucial to strike a balance between human infrastructure and the preservation of the country's diverse and precious wildlife.