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.

Winter

Meterologically speaking winter has now arrived. The met office has December, January and February as official winter months. As if on cue the weather has become colder and we have had snow.   The ponds have frozen over and the garden is shutting down. The cold weather also means some exceptional sunsets. The view is breathtaking. 

Two black and white cats are somewhat wary of the "cold, wet, white stuff" but they gamely give it a go, at least when one of their humans is outdoors as well.