Which Weekend Is The Best To See Red Deer At Richmond Park?

rjmartinuk · #1 (**permalink**) 25-09-2011, 03:53 PM

Hey Everyone

I am looking to visit Richmond Park next month to witness the Red Deer rut - now I am away on holiday the next two weekends and I can't do the weekend 22nd/23rd so I am thinking either the 15th or 29th?

Which would be better for more of the action - when does the Red Deer rut tend to peak? Or would I be better in early November?

Many Thanks.

Cheers, Rob

aeshna5 · #2 (**permalink**) 25-09-2011, 03:58 PM

It does vary a bit year to year. I've often found early-mid october is peak time here. I usually try + coincide my monthly winter wildfowl survey with the rut for October. Always great to see + hear the rut - they are magnificent animals.

aeshna5 · #3 (**permalink**) 26-09-2011, 05:32 PM

It's just been featured on the local news that 3 people have been attacked (fortunately none seriously) by stags in Richmond/Bushy parks in recent days so the rut is already in full swing, so I would try + get down this weekend- but keep a sensible distance, some of these people are idiots + get too close to these beasts which are pumped up with testosterone.

andrewinpompey · #4 (**permalink**) 26-09-2011, 07:01 PM

Yes there were photos in the Evening Standard, one of which shows one of the tips of a stag's antlers literally inches away from a woman's back as she was running away from it. Hard to know the exact circumstances (the paper said she got too close, which I think we can take as read!) but she must be lucky not to be badly hurt.

aeshna5 · #5 (**permalink**) 26-09-2011, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrewinpompey

Yes there were photos in the Evening Standard, one of which shows one of the tips of a stag's antlers literally inches away from a woman's back as she was running away from it. Hard to know the exact circumstances (the paper said she got too close, which I think we can take as read!) but she must be lucky not to be badly hurt.

This was shown on the TV + also a man who apparently distracted the stag as the woman cowered behind a tree by shouting + waving.

Surrey Sam · #6 (**permalink**) 27-09-2011, 09:52 PM

Hi Rob,

Just been to Richmond Park last weekend for the first time and there was action to be seen and photograph (my reason for going).

As mentioned previously, I would also agree that anytime from now onwards will see the Rut building up, so get down when you can, just keep your wits about you as these Stags can just appear from nowhere

Some photos from my trip:

mbaldw · #7 (**permalink**) 28-09-2011, 08:21 PM

Fantastic shots, Sam. I'm hoping to get to Richmond at some point next week (if the weather holds); looks like a great place for deer photography.

Cheers,
Marc.

mbaldw · #8 (**permalink**) 29-09-2011, 07:21 AM

On the subject of visiting Richmond, does anyone have any tips on the best parts of the park to watch the (specifically Red) deer in? Are they spread all over the place, or are some areas better than others?

Cheers,
Marc.

drooper · #9 (**permalink**) 07-10-2011, 12:48 PM

Well they move about but in previous years there have been good displays on the large flat grassy expanse near Spankers Hill Wood and to the west of Priory Lane between Roehampton and Robin Hood Gate.

And yes. Surrey Sam is correct with his warning. Well away from the main action and taking great care, I was amazed by a huge stag crashing through the undergrowth and luckily charging straight past.

Good luck.