Visiting the deer park at Dunham Massey

Early summer

June and July

The new fawns are born and within minutes of birth, they’re already on their feet. During this special time of year, deer are especially protective of their young, so it’s important to give them plenty of space—particularly if you’re walking with a dog.

In their first few weeks, fawns stay in the deer sanctuary and are rarely seen. They’ll begin to explore more of the park as summer goes on. If you’re lucky enough to spot one, enjoy the moment from a distance—it’s a rare and magical sight.

It's normal to see a fawn alone

Don’t worry if you see a fawn on its own. They rely on their mothers for milk, so they’re often left in the long grass so she can spend time grazing.

If you are concerned about a fawn, we recommend speaking to one of our rangers. Please avoid attempting to touch a fawn, as there’s a risk that the mother may then reject it.

Summer

August

The bucks in the herd will be starting to re-grow their antlers now. The new antlers come out looking very soft, as if they’re covered in a velvety fur.

From August onwards, they’ll shed this velvet layer, leaving bloody material hanging. You may notice them rubbing against trees or fences – anything with a hard surface – to get rid of the layer of skin. It might look unsightly but the deer aren’t in any pain.

Autumn

September and October

Autumn marks the start of the deer rutting season—a dramatic time when bucks compete for the chance to mate with does. With their antlers fully grown and testosterone levels high, bucks develop thicker necks and a strong musky scent as they challenge each other for dominance.

The rut

Autumn is rutting season at Dunham Massey—a dramatic and powerful display of deer behaviour as bucks compete for the chance to mate.

To mark their territory, bucks scrape hollows in the ground with their hooves, urinate in them, and roll in the scent to deter rivals. You may also hear their deep roars or bellows echoing through the park, especially in the early morning.

The rut peaks in October. During this time, bucks engage in “parallel walking,” sizing each other up. If a rival gets too close, the roaring intensifies. If neither backs down, the standoff can escalate into a clash of antlers—sometimes continuing until one buck is injured or exhausted. The winner earns the right to mate with nearby females.

The best time to witness rutting behaviour is early in the morning, when the park is quieter and the deer are most active.

Counting the herd

In October a deer count is carried out to help us prepare for the winter cull. With no natural predators in the UK, deer populations must be carefully managed to ensure the long-term health of the herd and the wider parkland.

Without annual culling, the growing numbers would lead to overgrazing and increased competition for limited food, resulting in poor health among the deer. It would also cause long-term damage to habitats, affecting other wildlife that depends on the park’s delicate ecosystem.

Winter

January and February

In the early part of the year, the deer herd often stays closer to the sanctuary, making them less visible to visitors. During this colder season, their appearance changes—thick winter coats turn grey and can look a little scruffy.

It may seem deer look hungry or undernourished, but they’re still getting a good balanced diet. They primarily feed on grass, which provides all they need. However, throughout the winter months, Dunham’s rangers closely monitor their condition and will provide supplementary food if necessary.

This additional feed consists of specially formulated pellets, packed with the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals the deer require to stay healthy through the season.

Spring

March, April and May

In April and May the deer start the process of casting. This is where their old antlers fall off. You’ll probably see some bucks with just one antler as they often don’t lose both at the same time.

Sometimes visitors get in on the action and find antlers lying around the park; if you’re lucky enough to find some, you can keep them! The best places to find them are usually in the long grass or by trees.