Roe Deer

The proliferation of wildlife in the Pennine garden belies its suburban location. All our gardens offer space for insects, birds and mammals. This week the roe deer have been easier than usual to spot, given that the foliage on all the deciduous trees and plants has now fallen. They are of course still shy creatures so do not really come up close to the house.

Roe deer are browsers that actively select different food types including herbs, brambles, ivy, heather, bilberry & coniferous/deciduous tree shoots. The top of our garden is therefore especially attractive to them. However, this browsing habit can be somewhat of a nuisance when it jeopardizes our new plants and puts the deer into conflict with some farmers. Given that the moorland around here is mostly hill sheep farming this is not too much of a problem. Consequently, the deer are allowed to flourish.

The picture was taken earlier this week in between the rain showers.