Fallow deer

Brought to the UK by the Normans for hunting, fallow deer are now the most widespread deer in the UK and can be seen in many parks and forests in Wales.

Fallow deer are smaller than red deer and bigger than roe deer, but if their size doesn't give their identity away, their long tail with a black stripe and palmate antlers should.

The female (doe) gives birth in June and July and her young remains with her until the following year when the males (bucks), at about 18 months old, are pushed out and join the elder bucks.

Deer can have a negative impact on forestry, agriculture and biodiversity and need to be managed as they no longer have any natural predators such as wolves. The old, infirm and malnourished deer are culled to maintain a sustainable population and to ensure that the remaining deer have enough food.

Margam Country Park and the adjacent forest are good places to see fallow deer in Wales. Other deer parks include Powis Castle, Welshpool and Dinefwr Park, Llandeilo. There are also large wild fallow populations in the Wye Valley, in Dolgellau, St. Asaph and the surrounding areas, and between Llandeilo and Carmarthen.

The Forestry Commission has a list of locations where, with a pair of binoculars and patience, you may be lucky enough to spot some of these creatures.