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Where to see the deer rut.

Red deer are Britain's largest land mammals. They are very numerous in Scotland, and smaller populations can be found from the Lake District to Cornwall, with a few small herds in Wales 

In Britain, the Red deer rut peaks in October, though does usually kick off in September. The male Red deer are fighting for supremacy, to allow them to control and mate with the largest harem. The best time to see the rut is, as with most wildlife spectacles, early morning and evening, but don't get too close as the males can be very aggressive at this time of year.

Where to see the Red deer rut.
Almost wherever Red deer can be seen. Much of Scotland, Exmoor, The New Forest, Woburn Park & Richmond Park, amongst many others. Organised Red deer rut weekends are held at Porlock, on Exmoor in Somerset.

RSPB sites
Mark Singleton, Arne RSPB Site Manager, says: "Visitors at Arne during the rutting season are always amazed. It's as if you're in a different world; just you and the deer. You find yourself hardly daring to breathe in case you interrupt them. This spectacle is so unique, if you have the chance to witness it at one of our reserves, don't miss out."

Deer ruts can be witnessed on RSPB reserves and at specially organised RSPB projects called ‘Dates With Nature' across the UK, from the South West and Suffolk coast to Wales and the Midlands. 

National Trust properties
The deer rut in all its splendour is a sight to saviour at Lyme Park in Cheshire, Fountains Abbey in Yorkshire and Ashridge in the Chilterns.

Scottish Highlands
There are many places to see the Red deer rut in Scotland,  The Ben Eighe and Creag Meagaidh reserves in Wester Ross and Laggan respectively ofetn have walks arranged by Scottish Natural Heritage.

Fallow deer rut.
The fallow deer rut peaks a week or two later than the Red deer, but is also definitely worth a watch. Fallow deer can be found in most counties in England and Wales, and there are large populations in pockets spread across Scotland. Young fallow start breeding when they are about 18 months old. The mating season, or rut, starts in late September and peaks in mid October. Usually, the doe gives birth to a single fawn between late May - mid June. The fawn is weaned by October.