The Ecology of Fallow Deer - Richmond Park February 26th

What a wonderful way to spend a sunny February Sunday, walking around Richmond Park learning about the ecology of the fallow deer.
John Lock, an Environment Trust volunteer and local deer expert, led a priviledged group on this fascinating walk. It didn't take long to get away from the crowds, to areas of the park where the ritual that is deer mating is played out each year. John put the group in the mind set of a male deer as it sizes up his rivals and competes for females. The group were shown, and were able to handle, a selection of fallow deer antlers from animals of all ages, to understand their importance in deciding the pecking order for male deer. Over the course of the walk, the group saw almost all the park's fallow deer and also some rather intimidating-looking red deer, the fallow deers' larger cousin.

John Lock explains about fallow deer antlers.

Richmond Park looking a bit like African savanna, complete with a herd of fallow deer.

Meet the cousins, aka the red deer.

White Lodge, Richmond Park.

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