Winter Deer Watching At Tatton Park

Herd of fallow deer during winter

Tatton Park is holding several winter deer watching activities this February. Located in Chesire, this deer park is home to herds of fallow and red deer. With over 500 deer living in the park, be ready to spot several of them during your visit.

On February 13, 2018, park rangers are leading a winter deer walk. It starts at 10 A.M. and ends at around 12 NN. If walking during winter is not your cup of tea, the 1000-acre parkland is also offering deer watching activity onboard a tractor or trailer. This is going to be held on February 20-21, 2018 from 9:30 A.M. too 10:30 A.M.

It may seem odd to go deer watching during winter when autumn (the deer rut season) is the recommended time for this activity. However, this activity is meant to give you a peek into the lives of these gentle mammals during winter. You get to see them in thicker winter coats, an essential during the cold weather for them to stay warm. The colour of their coat changes during winter as well. Both fallow and red deer’s coats become darker.

The winter deer watching activities at Tatton Park allow you to observe these gentle mammals in their natural environment. You also get to explore the beauty of Tatton park in winter as well as learn important things about the deer population in the area.

Unlike in autumn, winter is a quiet time for deer as they move less and conserve their energy. If they move, it is primarily to look for food and eat. Your chances of seeing a herd are high since they stay close together during the cold season. They also do not go far away from where they feed. If you want to watch them feed, take the trailer ride as this activity lets you watch hundreds of deer eat up close.

FYI, the winter deer walk is only for adults. Meanwhile, children who are at least four years old are allowed to join the deer feed and trailer ride. Both the guided walk and the deer feed and trailer ride require pre-booking. To ensure that you get a slot, call their office early.

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Image Attribution: Photograph by © Karl and Ali. [CC-BY-SA 2.0], via Geograph
Image Resource: http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3310292