Red Deer are the largest native species of deer in the UK, with an estimated population of over 360,000 living across the country.
In the wild, they can be found on moorlands, mountainsides, and grasslands near woodlands, though you’ll also spot them in deer parks throughout the UK.
Here at Monk Park Farm, we’re home to two Red Deer – John and Deirdre – who love spending their days relaxing in the paddocks and watching the world go by.
Red Deer are herbivores, and their diet includes grass, hay, and foliage.
One of their most distinctive features is their antlers. Males (known as stags) shed their antlers each year between February and March, and grow a brand-new set by September.
🦌 Red Deer Basics:
Male:Â Stag
Female: Hind (not a doe – that’s typically used for smaller deer)
Young:Â Fawn
Gestation: Around 8 months
Red Deer Facts
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Red Deer antlers can grow as much as 2.5 cm a day during peak growth!
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They are excellent swimmers and can cross rivers or lochs when needed.
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A stag’s antlers can weigh up to 15kg in total.
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In the wild, Red Deer live in single-sex groups for most of the year, only coming together to mate.
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The roar of a stag during rutting season can be heard from miles away – it’s how they attract hinds and challenge rivals.
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They have a great sense of smell and hearing, which helps them stay alert to danger in the wild.