Fallow deer, Studley Royal Park

There are three herds of deer in Studley Royal Park, Sika, Red and Fallow, about 600 in total. This morning they arrived to greet the National Trust ranger’s feeding tractor together in one massive pack yet still each herd sticking close together. They are currently being fed every other day but this will soon stop once the grass starts growing. Winter feeding is necessary to maintain the herds’ health. The Red stags, with their antlers of many points, dominate the scene and the more dainty Fallow deer are easily overlooked. First introduced by the Romans, they are not a native species to the British Isles. It is thought the species died out after the Romans abandoned Britain and were reintroduced by the Normans aristocracy for sport and venison for their tables. Fallow deer have four colour variations in their coat. The Common is the tan or fawn, Menil is paler and described as caramel, Melanistic is almost entirely black and White, an example of which can be seen in the photo. It is not an albino.