PEAK DISTRICT ONLINE MAGAZINE WINNING ENTRY - PHOTO COMPETITION Capital Stone Masonry - Kings of the Stone Age Deer in the Peak District
Welcome to the first edition of our brand new online magazine, sharing with you all the essence of the Peak District. Using unique angles of imagery to highlight this very beautiful part of our country, this new and vibrant publication will be available for your perusal each and every month. It will feature the scenes, places, animals and people of the Peaks, brought to you through the lens of the master artists behind the very popular photography websites, ‘Wakes World’ and ‘Villager Jim’. Each month there will be a new photographic competition with some great prizes, focus on a local business and highlight their skills, and of course, report all the latest events and dates for your diary. Our theme this month is celebrating the annual Autumn rutting season, accompanied by some stunning images and informative editorial. Peak District Online continues to bring to you the latest news, local bits and pieces as well as providing the Peak District’s largest holiday accommodation directory any where on the web.
The deep valley mists of the Eastern Moors can make the Peak District look stunningly beautiful, but equally eerily bleak at this time of year. Walking amongst the now orange hued heather and breathing in the damp scents of Autumn, it’s that time of year a walker or rambler could also hear strange goings on....the sounds of a very distinct roaring echo through the valleys. It’s nothing to be alarmed at. Yes, there are rumours of big cats loose on the moors but this is no big cat. The sound is that of one of the UK’s largest mammals. It’s rutting season and there are red deer about - lots of them! The Peak District is home to several herds of wild red deer and also it’s more dainty cousins, the iconic Bambi like mammals, the Fallow Deer - all originally escapees from deer parks, it is thought. There are two distinctive populations of red deer, and a good place to see one of them is on Big Moor above Baslow. These are undoubtedly the naughty escapees from Chatsworth. Occasionally these deer, thought to number between 50 and 75, roam across the moors from Holmesfield, often helping themselves to tasty nibbles from gardens which back onto the forest there, to Curbar Edge, often seen grazing amongst the Highland cattle and roaming free in the adjacent fields. There have also been sightings behind Hathersage towards Abney and above Grindleford, so you see they can be seen all over the place! Another population of red deer has become established on the Goyt Valley, south of Whaley Bridge. The population here has unknown origins, but they probably escaped from Lyme Park. Recent sightings of this herd have been made around Risley Glebe near Pilsley. They like to live in coniferous plantations, deciduous woodland and also open moorland, but vagrant red deer also occur widely and may be seen well away from known populations. Young stags have been seen in Longdendale and other individuals have been seen at Pikehall and other widely spaced localities. It’s a sad tale in recent past times. The formerly widespread native red deer became extinct by the beginning of the 18th century. Much prized for hunting and preserved in royal forests during medieval and Norman times, especially in the Royal Forest of the Peak, numbers declined sadly as agriculture encroached on the royal forests in the forest laws weakened. Many wild deer died in heavy snow at the beginning of the 17th century and red deer became extinct in the County as a species sometime hereafter. Luckily though, preserved in deer parks, they can still be seen in all their glory. Chatsworth was enclosed in the early 15th century and the deer at Lyme Park, just outside the North West County boundary, were also enclosed at around the same time, many containing original stock. Several introductions of red deer from Europe have been made nationally, so it’s possible the parks contained mixed genetic stock. There have been known to be a few hybrids between red deer and ‘wapiti’ , a North American subspecies of deer at Osmaston Manor, descendants of 20 animals who were brought there from British Columbia. Unfortuantley for all you deer spotters, Red deer are no longer kept at Osmaston. Calke Park has a very impressive smaller private herd and some red deer are kept at Alderwasley Park and other estates, as well as of course, Chatsworth Park. There are a few red deer occurring outside Derbyshire, but still close to the county boundary, with the feral population in Wharncliff Woods, West of Sheffield and Park herds at the National trust owned Lyme Park in the North West Peak District.
deer in the Peaks
Fallow deer are prevalent at Chatsworth, with Centre near Chapel and le Frith, where a small lished. Some escapees are scattered across the Derwent valley and Morley. With their paler col Dis The most widely distributed and most numerous and Ticknall. Using thermal imaging equipment, population of 81, but numbers here are expected
the numbers exceeding 250, as well as the Chestnut l herd of between 35 and 40 has recently been estabe Peak District in three main herds - South Derbyshire, lour and little white bob tails, they are the cutie pies of sney films. s population is found in Calke, South Wood, Melbourne the National trust chief warden at Calke has revealed a d to increase with the expansion of the National Forest.
Fallow deer like to graze mainly in woodland habitats, from ancient deciduous woodland to carnivorous plantations, munching on mixed woodland, so are a little harder to spot than their big relatives, the red Deer, but they also have been known to graze in adjacent feels and rough pasture. There are private herds kept at Stanton Park and a site near Holloway. Now as the rutting season gets under way, male deer are driven by an urge to reproduce from October until early November. The Peak District moors are alive with a strange groaning and belching sound, which echoes from clearings and the clash of antlers will be heard, as male deer show off their virility to potential males. So it's a great time to hear them vocally and give away their elusive movements, to those who want to find them.
There’s a second population, which is well established, in the Clough Wood - Birchover - Darley Dale area, and has been since the 1920s, probably from escapees from the deer kept at Stanton Park. There are also smaller numbers of fallow deer seen regularly in the Morley Frith area, with occasional strays seen from the Dukeries, which reach North East Derbyshire. Vagrants wander quite widely, particularly in the south of the county.
Capital Stone Masonry
Kings of the Stone Age Using an age old timeless art, appreciating the beauty of stone and creating something exquisitely unique, is what the directors at Capital Stone Masonry Ltd do very well indeed. With over 70 years experience in the industry to boast between them, the chaps of this extraordinary stone-masonry company, are hands-on - literally, selecting the stone block from the quarry, expertly cutting and supervising others to get the design just right. Not only this, but they strictly hand finish the masonry themselves. ‘Stone masonry is an age old timeless art and you must be able to appreciate the stone’s beauty in order to create that something very special,’ say director Steve Nicholson. ‘With this in mind, our team have been specially chosen to ensure respect for the very expensive raw material and attention to the minutest detail, to ensure complete customer section whatever your project.’ From building work to architectural masonry, garden ornaments and sculptures, fireplaces to walling, Steve and his fellow director John Nicholson, use the feeling of timelessness exuded from the rocks themselves, building with materials as old as nature. It makes a home feel as if it were part of the story of the land they say. From new builds, where the stone has been sympathetically aged to match into their surroundings, to much older buildings, which can be restored to their distinct trademark - an aura of timelessness. ‘The vast majority of projects undertaken are through recommendation by previous clients and architects,’ says John. ‘As a result, we have an excellent portfolio of works.’ A traditional stone masonry business, using up to date technology and cutting materials, the team here hand finish each item with love, care and attention. Using Bretton Moor fine sandstone, which is totally unique to them, they cleverly design each item personally. Using their knowledge, design skills and workmanship, they can turn your ideas into solid rock designs and designs into beautiful features. It’s quite clear they enjoy the challenge of producing something original and unique. Priding themselves on the high quality of workmanship and standardised service, John and Steve combine their skills with traditional values and expert craftsmanship - perfection is the name of the game here, undoubtedly, at Capital Stone Masonry Ltd Unit 11, Clarence Works, 50A Effingham Rd, Sheffield S4 7YS 0114 272 8132
www.capitalstonemasonryltd.co.uk
PHOTO COMPETION WINNER
Stephen Ferguson - competition winner ‘At one with nature’
Maria Gray - ‘I think i’m pretty safe here’
runners up
Nigel Bewley - ‘White-tailed eagle’
Tim Clifton - ‘Robin Portrait’
The winner of this month’s photography competition is Stephen Ferguson from Belfast. We loved his image on first sight, but the more you look at the image, the more awestruck we became. Not only has Stephen tamed a robin to trust eating out of his hand but can you image how steady he had to hold his arm out, while leaning back to take the image with a camera? Stephen is now the proud owner of a stone birdbath worth £150, supplied by Capital Stone Masonry. We had lots of fantastic photographs for the first competition and it was great to see som many different shots. Next month’s competition is called ‘Landscape Heavens’ so please send us your idea of a Heaven on Earth photograph.
visit our facebook page for next months competition
events
Matlock Bath Illuminations
City Centre Ghost Walk at Derby
Septermber - 25th October
Ongoing to 29th October
The fabulous 2014 Matlock Bath Illuminations burst into life on Saturday 6 September, running until 25 October. Magical decorated and illuminated boats parade on the River Derwent at 7.45pm every Saturday and Sunday, and there are stalls to enjoy in Derwent Gardens, plus additional entertainment on Saturdays. On the last Saturday in September and every Saturday in October the event includes a spectacular clifftop firework display. more information
Scarefest at Alton Towers Resort Sat 18 Oct - Sun 2 Nov 2014 There is something for all thrill seekers and families, with tons of terrific rides, blockbusting attractions, amazing live shows, and weird and wonderful costume characters. Join us for our terrifying Scarefest event and ride your favourite rides after dark! Scarefest tickets include: Theme Park - Rides and attractions are open from 10:00, with most rides open in the dark until 21:00! Entry to the famous Terror of the Towers Scare maze more information
Starting from the The Bell Inn in Sadlergate, explore Derby’s haunted and gory past on the City Centre Ghostwalk. Prepare for tales of the Black Death, brutal murders, and hauntings. Not to mention a visit to the old tunnels running beneath the Guild Hall. Evening ends with a Ghost Hunter’s Supper. voluptat mosandae velit omnihillore niendipsam que resto eum
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Starlight Halloween at Crich Tramway Village Sat 25 Oct - Sun 2 Nov The vintage trams will be taking visitors on spooktacular rides as we stage our one night only Starlight Halloween event, when we will stay open until 9.00pm. There’ll be a Halloween atmosphere as night falls on the period street setting at the Village with ghosts, witches and skeletons hiding in the trees and a special tram decked in Halloween illuminations.
more information
visit our events website here
Halloween Evening at Haddon Hall Fri 31 Oct - Sat 1 Nov At one of the oldest and most historic houses in England, join us (if you dare!) At Haddon Hall this Halloween for two nights of mysterious tours and entertainment. Haddon Hall has welcomed guests for centuries, and on All Hallows’ Eve and All-Saints’ Day, it could be some of those visitors from the past who join you on your evening tour of the house and grounds. more information
Firework Extravaganza November 5th Chesterfield Borough Councils Stand Road Firework Extravaganza 2014 There will be a wide choice of different catering vans and sweet stalls. There will also be a funfair and entertainment will be provided by Peak FM.
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Alice’s Wonderland at Chatsworth From November 8th Tumble into Alice’s Wonderland this Christmas! On arrival, the North Entrance Hall will be dressed to create the illusion of tumbling down the rabbit hole into Wonderland, where visitors will encounter the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party; the Game of Croquet, and the table with the infamous ‘Drink Me’ bottle and ‘Eat Me’ cake.
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Creepy Castle at Night at Bolsover Castle Fri 31 Oct - Sat 1 Nov Have you got what it takes to brave the castle after dark? Discover deadly deeds and freaky fun around every corner as residents past and present invite you into a terrfying world of tricks and treats at Bolsover Castle. Bring your own torches as you explore the site - we’re dying to hear you scream!
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Join us to discover Chatsworth in a different light, as Luminaire returns for four enchanting evenings this October. Experience the house lit with thousands of candles and subdued lighting, brought to life with music and costume inspired by a selection of drawings from the Masque of Oberon by Inigo Jones. A selection of these drawings, not seen for over 40 years, will be on display in the Great Chamber. In the garden moments from the Masque of Oberon will feature along the illuminated trail, with lighting, projections and music, ending in the Stables Courtyard. Complete your evening with dinner in the Carriage House or Cavendish restaurants which will be open late each evening. Book your tickets online in advance at www.chatsworth.org
book online
PHOTOS TAKEN BY VILLAGER JIM AND WAKES WORLD