Am I likely to see Sika deer at Arne?

[Bruce Williams]

I hope to make a visit to the RSPB reserve at Arne in the near future. I would expect to spend a full day at the reserve. Is it likely that I'll get to see the Sika deer?

Any other suggestions for locations in the south of England where I could see and photograph Sika would also be appreciated.

Bruce

[Deer Stalker]

Hi Bruce,

Yep, there are Sika at Arne. There are also Sika in the south eastern New Forest.

[Bruce Williams]

Thanks for your help, I'll add the New Forest to my list of places to visit.

I don't know the Arne reserve at all - are the deer hard to locate?

Bruce

[RobinP]

I've seen them early morning down near the water's edge, that was in the Spring though. Brownsea Island also has a population of Sika.

[Deer Stalker]

Originally Posted by Bruce Williams

I don't know the Arne reserve at all - are the deer hard to locate?

Bruce

No idea, never been there. Might be worth dropping a pm to Monkey, Rob T or Keith Talbot.

[Bruce Williams]

Robin - Thanks for your advice, I'll check out Brownsea Island.

Si - Thanks have taken your advice.

Bruce

[monkey]

Hi Bruce
Rob T and I have been to Arne on many occasions and it is almost impossible not to see Sika deer they are abundant and not as timid as other species of deer infact they quite often stand thier ground on the footpaths and you have to walk around them! Ofcourse you will see a lot more of them the earlier you go in the morning before the rest of the world starts walking around the area. We tend to go at day break and the area is one of my favourite places as it is so beautiful with the beach and islands and wonderful scenery as well as an incredible amount of wildlife. We got photos of our first goldcrest through the windows of the hide at Arne! If you look at my Gallery and Rob T you will see a lot of photos taken at Arne to give you a taste of what it is like and I am sure you will love it. Give me a pm if you need any other info
Linda

[Bruce Williams]

Hi Linda,

That description of Arne has got me chomping at the bit to get down there. I will try and visit soon after daybreak as you suggest. So does that mean the reserve open to visitors at any time?

I'm looking forward to having a good look through your two galleries.

Thanks,
Bruce

[eeyore]

there are also sika at holton heath in dorset - but make sure you stay on the paths as the heath used to be an old munitions factory in the war so there are brick lined trenches thatthe unwary can fall into

[pressld2]

Knole Park in Sevenoaks, Kent, has fallow and sika deer. As Linda says the sika tend to be more approachable.

Dave P.