The Deer of the Eden Valley by Charles Smith-Jones Pages 30 Beating Conservatory Conversion Prices down Back Cover

The other native deer species is very different both in size and habits. The dainty roe deer stands only about 75 cm high at the shoulder and is much more solitary than the red deer. Its coat during the summer is coloured a rich foxy red, turning thicker and greyer in winter, and the antlers of the buck are much simpler than the impressive adornments of the red deer stags. Don’t be deceived by looks, though; the bucks are strongly territorial, especially during the spring, and ferocious fights often take place between evenly matched protagonists.

You are only really likely to encounter roe alone or in small family groups, and their rutting time is much earlier in the year during late July and early August. At this time the buck appears to be chasing the doe but in fact she is very much in charge, leading him on until she decides the time is right to mate. Very often chases take the same circular or figure-of-eight path around some prominent object such as a rock or tree stump, and well-trodden ‘roe rings’ are often created. The young, or kids, are born the following spring and twins, or sometimes even triplets, are common.

The best time of day for watching deer of any kind is usually around dawn or dusk. Wear inconspicuous clothes and a hat to shade your face, move slowly and above all keep the wind in your face – deer are poor at making out shapes and you can get away with a lot by keeping still, but they will pick up your scent over very long distances if conditions are right. A good pair of binoculars are a must, and time spent scanning woodland edges, hedgerows and other movement of feeding places will often reveal an elegant form which might otherwise have been passed unnoticed. If you have a dog, though, please keep it on a lead, especially when defenceless calves and kids may be hidden in the undergrowth.

The BDS is the only UK charity devoted entirely to deer, working towards a healthy and sustainable deer population in balance with the environment by promoting education, research and management best practice. You can learn more about deer and the Society’s work by visiting our website at www.bds.org.uk where you can also download the free BDS deer app. This not only has many useful deer-related features but also allows you to report your sightings to help us maintain a national picture of deer presence. Wherever you live in the United Kingdom you will find an active regional branch offering regular activities with like-minded deer enthusiasts where, as a member, you will receive a cordial welcome.

Stay warm and unlock the potential of your Conservatory this Winter!

Here are some reasons why people replace their glass roof with a real roof.

• We save up to 85% on conservatory heating bills • Reduced over heating in the summer months • 90% noise reduction from the weather • Massively reduced glare from the sun • No less than 10 years guarantee on all conservatories