Wild Wednesday - Fallow deer
Did you know that the fallow deer, one of the UK's most recognisable deer species, isn't actually native to Britain? Originally from Asia, fallow deer were introduced by the Normans in the 11th century. Over time, they escaped from deer parks and spread into woodlands across the country.
Today, they are the most common deer species in England, and they can also be spotted in parts of West Sussex, particularly in woodland habitats and open countryside.
Fallow deer are easy to identify thanks to their striking seasonal coats. In summer, they have a rich red-brown coat covered in white spots, with a dark stripe running down their back. During winter, their coat changes to a greyer-brown colour and the spots become less distinct.
Male fallow deer, known as bucks, grow impressive antlers which they shed each spring before regrowing them. Females are called does, and their young are known as calves.
These graceful animals can live for 12 to 16 years in the wild and are most active at dawn and dusk. If you're out exploring the countryside in West Sussex, keep an eye on woodland edges, grassy clearings and areas with dense shrubs, where they like to feed and shelter.
Their diet mainly consists of grasses, leaves and brambles, although during autumn and winter they will also browse on bark and shrubs.
October marks the start of the breeding season, known as the rut, when bucks compete for mates. Around eight months later, usually in May or June, a single calf is born. The calf will stay close to its mother throughout its first year of life.
Next time you're enjoying a walk in one of West Sussex's woodlands, see if you can spot one of these elegant deer from a distance and admire one of England's most widespread wild mammals.
Read more here: Fallow deer | The Wildlife Trusts