Sika deer have a stronghold in the New Forest they are a close relative of the Red deer. Sika deer originate from eastern Asia and were introduced to the UK in 1860 In the New Forest, Sika were introduced to the Beaulieu Estate in 1900, and the New Forest population is one of the UK’s purest. Sika and Red Deer can interbreed so in the New Forest the 2 populations are separated by the main Bournemouth to Southampton railway line. Numbers are maintained at about 100.
This morning I was lucky to spot a herd of about 12 deer.








Aw lovely photos. I had no idea that Red and Sika can interbreed. In Lancs we do have Sika deer on the Gisburn park estate, don’t see them too often, it’s always a treat when I do.
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Wonderful. 🙂
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Magnificent creatures! 😊
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Wonderful Andy. Thanks for sharing all these great photos. I have found deer tracks all over my 3 acre yard. They always come at night so I never manage to get any photos.
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