Red Deer (north west)

kirstyd · #1 (**permalink**) 24-10-2008, 09:36 PM

Hey guys!

I'm nice and new to this so could do with a bit of advice. I am hoping to spend a very rare day off work watching Red Deer. Hopefully I may get to see some rutting. Is there anywhere around the North West that I can see this?
Like I said, I'm very new to this and don't claim to be an expert. Any friendly advice will be greatly received!

Thankyou

Blackbrook Eye · #2 (**permalink**) 24-10-2008, 11:15 PM

Hi kirstyd, Wecome to WAB. Replies to your enquiry seem to be a bit slow coming but there are plenty of knowledgable members in the North West area so I am sure someone will pass on some tips to you before very long. I don't know that part of the country very well so I cant really be of assistance personally.

Keith

PMG · #3 (**permalink**) 25-10-2008, 02:32 PM

Well this maybe useless advice but Dunham Massey, Lime Park and Tatton Park all in Cheshire have deer herds - but I can't just remember which has what - one willl be Fallow - but I'm almost sure one of them has red deer? Perhaps a google or other search might find the answer.

On the other hand I have been wondering why no-one has mentioned the red deer herd in Leighton Moss........... I have been wondering how much rutting activity has gone on there and whether they do it all out of sight deep in the reeds?

I would have thought the main part of the rut will now be over - I have an idea the best time is late Spet and early Oct? and that Nov is getting a bit late and there won't be much happening.

On the subject of mammals - those who can reach it must be getting time to visit the seals at Donna Nook, Lincolnshire for those who want to get very close to very young seal pups this place must be the best in England? Again a check on their website will tell whether its too early to visit or not........

Pauline

paulthomas · #4 (**permalink**) 25-10-2008, 04:00 PM

As far as the timing of the rut goes, here in the Midlands I have a feeling it's late this year. So far the Fallow does haven't come into season (you can tell because the older bucks are still tolerant of the younger bucks) and I've yet to find any field signs of groups of Reds (just signs of single animals or hind + calf). I expect the cold snap we're forecast this week will change all that though.

blueboar · #5 (**permalink**) 25-10-2008, 04:09 PM

Goto RSPB Leighton Moss, there are some very impressive stags their, goto either the Grizedale or Jackson hide,(prefably the Grizedale)

or you could have a wander around the Shap fells - Banisdale/Crookdale or Borrowdale velleys.

bb

ChrisJB · #6 (**permalink**) 25-10-2008, 05:42 PM

I can only echo what others have said, try Leighton Moss. Though I will add, if you prefer a wilder, more inaccessible area, the fells between Patterdale and Haweswater, in the Lake District are also very good, with the fells above Martindale being best perhaps.

Regards, Chris

kirstyd · #7 (**permalink**) 25-10-2008, 05:52 PM

Thank you all so much!
As I said, I am very new to this. I am very interested in British Wildlife especially mammals but have never actually been out and watched things myself.

Thanks again!

blueboar · #8 (**permalink**) 26-10-2008, 01:00 PM

Just one thing to remember, Never get yourself between the stag and his hinds.

Unless you can run over 30mph and do 75yards in less than 6.4 seconds.

Watch the animals from a safe distance and enjoy....

Richard G. · #9 (**permalink**) 29-10-2008, 09:25 PM

Lyme Park, near Stockport, is a good spot, plenty of stags and plenty of activity recently. Also, since it's a busy park, they're much more used to people and will be more tolerant of you, but still deserve your full respect at this time of year. There is a deer sanctuary area at Lyme Park closed to the public and the deer tend to hang around in here during the day, but drift out in the late afternoon and evening, so it's worth arriving later in the day to get the best views. Picture below was taken a week or two ago.