The rut begins in earnest

The roe deer rut takes place between mid July to mid August depending upon the location - earlier in the south than the north. Here you will see a mature buck (4-5 years) driving a youngish doe (probably a 2 year old) round and round in a circle - sometimes breaking out into a figure of 8 and travelling in a reverse direction. Clare spotted the signs of this possible rutting ring a few days ago and our trail camera picked up the activity on the 8th of August. This driving can go on for quite a while until the doe decides she is ready to be served. The deer make a very clear track during this time, often as in this case, round a small tree or shrub. People have thought in the past that these were fairy rings! At the end of the video the doe appears for a short time on her own - possibly she has been mated. The buck remains in the vicinity and it is possible more mating is still to come … watch this space.