Red deer rut in Kent?

[crazyjoe123]

Hi all,

new to this forum and new to Kent. I was wondering if there was anywhere down here where you can see/hear the rut? I want to avoid going into London for Richmond Park. I have heard about Knole Park?

[mbaldw]

Hi crazyjoe123,

welcome to WAB. According to the British Deer Society website, Knole Park only has Fallow and Sika deer, no Reds. That said, both Fallow and Sika are rutting at the moment; impressive spectacles in their own rights. Wild Wood, in Kent, has some Red deer, so you might be lucky there (although I don't recall having seen any decent-sized stags when I went earlier this year). As far as I know, there aren't any wild Red deer in Kent and, I think, you'd need north to head to Essex/Norfolk/Suffolk or west to Surrey/Sussex, if you don't want to do Richmond/Bushy.

Good luck!
Cheers,
Marc.

[crazyjoe123]

Thanks Mark,

Thought that may be the case. Richmond itself isnt a big issue its getting their early morning for the full effect! Sika & fallow would be interesting, may go to Knole. Im very anti non natives though! Like I said new to the area and to WAB so thanks for the advice. Hoping to get quite involved in the forum

[rjmartinuk]

Hi Crazyjoe123,

Richmond/Bushy Park are both fantastic for the Red/Fallow Deer rut - I visited last weekend for the first time, and I hope to return next year.

Here is a video I shot of a Red Deer Stag at Bushy Park:

Red Deer Stag Roaring - Bushy Park, Greater London - YouTube

I hope you have a good trip!

Cheers, Rob