Parkland Livestock

Deer

The Deer Park was created by Royal Charter in 1290. Eight centuries later, the Red and Fallow deer still provide a magnificent sight for visitors as they roam freely in over 1,000 acres of beautiful parkland. 

When the park is busy, the stags and bucks can often be encountered in small bachelor groups whilst many of the female deer like to stay in their own private sanctuary, where their young are born in June. Occasionally newborn calves and fawns can be found within the public parkland but please remember to leave them alone as their mother will not be far away.

During the Autumn deer rutting season the behaviour of Tatton Park’s ancient deer herd changes. Triggered by shortening daylight hours and cooler weather, the rut marks the time of year when male deer compete to mate with females. The male deer become more aggressive, bellow loudly and display their strength by clashing antlers.  We know this can be fascinating to watch, but as there have been a couple of recent incidents, we can’t stress enough that the deer are wild animals and can act aggressively when approached. We advise all visitors of this via our digital channels and on signs within the Park.

We value our deer and our visitors, so advise everyone to give the deer plenty of space, keep a sensible distance away and enjoy the wonders of Tatton in the Autumn safely.

One of the best places to spot deer is around Old Hall on a quiet evening and during the summer months Stags can often be seen along Knutsford Drive.

Sheep

The last Lord Egerton of Tatton requested that two rare breeds of sheep continue to be grazed on the Tatton estate and today these unusual sheep flocks can be found in the various paddocks around the Mansion.

The black sheep are a rare breed Hebridean and are one of the oldest existing flocks on record, dating from 1887. The small brown ‘goat-like’ sheep are Soay, a small and primitive breed thought to have been farmed in the bronze age.

To have a look at the sheep head over to the ice pond field opposite the Mansion which is one of their favourite grazing areas.

 

Parkland walks with the Rangers 

Why not join one of our experienced Rangers on a guided walk to find out more about the wildlife in the Parkland?