Visit Richmond’s open spaces this autumn and you’ll see red – not only from the shed leaves forming a rust-hued carpet on the tree-studded slopes of Richmond and Bushy Parks, but also from the wildlife.
Between them, these expanses are home to more than 950 red deer and fallow deer. At this time of year, males are energetically engaged in the boisterous mating season, or 'rut', as they guard harems or compete to attract females.
From September to mid-November, red stags and fallow bucks roar and bark loudly to display their strength and virility. When that is not enough, they clash their huge racks of antlers to drive off rivals.
The red deer is Britain’s largest land mammal. Stags can weigh up to 200kg (roughly the same weight as an adult male lion) and stand 1.37m tall at the shoulder, their deep bellows echoing across the parks.
- How many species of deer are there in the UK?
- Best places in the UK to see the magnificent autumn deer rut
Top Image: Red deer rutting in Richmond Park. Credit: Getty
More amazing wildlife stories from around the UK
