Are there wild deer in England?
Yes, England has wild deer, including the native red deer and roe deer, as well as introduced species such as fallow deer, sika deer, muntjac and Chinese water deer. Deer numbers are thought to be higher now than at any time in the last thousand years.
Red deer are the largest native land mammal in Britain. In England, they live in places such as Exmoor, the Lake District and the New Forest.
Roe deer are smaller and common in woodlands and farmland across England.
Introduced deer
Fallow deer were introduced by the Normans and are often seen in deer parks. Muntjac, small deer from China, escaped from Woburn Abbey in the early 1900s and spread widely.
Richmond Park and Bushy Park in London have large herds of red and fallow deer. Visitors must keep at least 50 metres away.
Large deer populations can damage woodlands by eating young trees and plants. Deer are managed by culling in some areas.
The autumn rut, when male deer compete for mates, is a popular wildlife spectacle.