Amongst the coastal footpaths and nature reserves of Norfolk we spent a very enjoyable day walking around Holkham Hall and its three thousand acre park. To my surprise we found a nine mile walk ranging across the entire estate taking in its huge pond, mature woodland, farmland and of course the Deer Park. Holkham's Deer Park was first established in the 1850's from a small herd of Fallow Deer which were moved to the site from elsewhere in Norfolk. Since then the herds numbers have swelled to well over eight hundred, and what a spectacle they are. We arrived at just after nine on a sunny but bitterly cold morning to find most of the animals grazing on the edges of one of the wooded areas. Their grunting and bellowing carried across the still air with incredible clarity, and it was hard not to be impressed by the sight of one of the stags in the early morning light.
The estate also has a small herd of eight Red Deer but they were far too timid during our visit for any photography. The size difference between the two species is clear, and whereas I was perfectly comfortable walking around in close proximity to the Fallows, I would certainly have had to think carefully about being a similar distance away from their larger relatives.
4 comments:
Lovely shots. Reminds me of Margam Park, where, funnily enough, I was photographing the Fallow Deer yesterday.
wow. love the blades they sport on their rack! beauties!!!
Looks like a lovely place to visit Adam. Fallow Deer are beautiful to watch and your images really do them justice.
Jeremy - thanks and I saw your posts from Margam. I meant to go there as well this year but have run out of time again. There just aren't enough hours in the day.
TexWisGirl - they certainly are.
Andrew - thank you. Holkham is a lovely place.
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