Red deer in the Ullswater Valley. Picture by Ullswater Steamers
DEER rutting season is here, and one of the oldest surviving red deer herds - with a blood line dating back to William the Conqueror - can be found in the Lake District’s Ullswater Valley.
During the breeding season, the dominant male will do his utmost to defend his hinds (mature, female red deer) from other deer - and the clash of antlers as the males challenge each other is often dramatic.
It is important to remember to keep your distance when watching rutting deer, and the British Deer Society recommends staying at least 100 metres away.
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