Fallow deer were introduced to British parks and forests by the Normans in the eleventh century and have since become the most widespread species of deer in Britain.

Fallow deer have many colour varieties, but they are typically fawn-coloured in the summer and reddish-brown in the winter. They have yellow-white undersides, white spots and a black line that runs along the back to the tip of the tail. The spots become less conspicuous or disappear in winter. Males have palmate (flattened) antlers.

Fallow deer are sociable animals , and for most of the year can be seen in two distinct unisex groups. 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.

Where do Fallow deer live?
Fallow deer are native to the Mediterranean region of Europe and from Turkey to Iran, but they have been introduced to 38 countries. They can be found in parks and forests throughout the UK.

What do Fallow deer eat?
They are grazers, feeding on grasses, herbs, berries, acorns and bark.

Average lifespan
Up to 16 years.