Roe, a deer

Day 351 #365DaysWild

On camera. Along the mown orchard path. At dawn.

An elegant, shy roe deer doe. Not sure how she got in. And some trepidation about how she’ll be compatible with a vegetable garden.. 

Unlike the non-native muntjac we see with increasing regularity, roe are native to these islands.

And, as with all deer, their numbers are rising. I see roe deer frequently on my morning walks. Usually in small groups. Ever watchful. Always nibbling.

We removed all their natural predators hundreds of years ago and are living with the consequences to woodland and sapling trees.

I almost stepped on a tiny roe deer fawn hidden in the grass on New Farm a few years ago. Exquisite.

 For the time being, we’re excited that she’s here.