Roe Deer
Roe Deer
Roe Deer are often seen in and around Blue Bell wood - situated to the right below the house, beside Newlands Beck.
The Roe is the smallest native British deer and its coat varies from grey/brown to black in winter, and reddish/brown to sandy in summer. Their antlers are much less ornate than those of the larger Red Deer. There is an insignificant tail and a whitish patch on the rump. Their facial appearance suggests a 'moustache'.
Roe Deer are native to Britain, having been present since before the Mesolithic period (6000 to 10000 years ago). Forest clearance and over-hunting led to roe deer becoming extinct in England by 1800 but remained in wooded patches in Scotland. Several reintroductions during Victorian times and their subsequent, natural spread aided by an increase in woodland and forest planting in the 20th century has meant that roe deer have become widespread and abundant today.
For further information about wild deer, The British Deer Society is a good place to start: http://www.bds.org.uk
