The Forestry Commission wants the public to help spot secretive roe deer that have been seen in a St Helens woodland.
Forest ranger Adam Evans said now was the right time to see the animals at Sutton Manor as there was less greenery for them to hide behind. He said:
“We spotted roe deer for the first time earlier in the year, but they are secretive animals and they have not been seen since the end of summer.
“Now the leaves have fallen off it should be more easy to spot the deer and we are hoping the public will help us with that.”
Sutton Manor is already full of fascinating wildlife such as hares, partridges and owls.
Roe deer had never been seen in the woodland before, but there were sightings through the summer and now the Forestry Commission wants to find out if the animals were passing through or have set up home.
Adam continued:
“If they are still here then this is a great chance for the public to see one of Britain’s most secretive and beautiful animals.”
Roe deer are gradually spreading across Britain from strongholds in Scotland and the Lake District. It is thought they follow the routes of train lines, rivers and motorways as they travel across country.
For nearly ten years the Forestry Commission has been managing Sutton Manor to encourage wildlife to thrive. Grass has been allowed to grow longer and trees a little wilder so that wildlife has more places to hide.
The best chance to spot the deer is at dawn or dusk but they do feed all day. They live alone or in small groups and have a varied diet that includes buds and leaves of deciduous trees and shrubs, bramble, rose, ivy, herbs, conifers, ferns, heather and grasses.
Adam said:
“Sutton Manor is not a park, it is a wild space that the public can use and enjoy for all its beauty. The roe deer will be a great attraction and if people can capture some photographs of the new arrivals we’d be very happy to see them.”
If you do photograph the roe deer at Sutton Manor then please email them to adam.evans@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
Notes to editors
- The Forestry Commission is the government department responsible in England for protecting, expanding and promoting the sustainable management of woods and forests and increasing their value to society and the environment. Forestry makes a real contribution to sustainable development, providing social and environmental benefits arising from planting and managing attractive, as well as productive, woodlands. Further information can be found at www.forestry.gov.uk/england
- Sutton Manor is an attractive young woodland area with plenty of leisurely paths and picnic spots. The summit affords panoramic views for miles around, and is the home of the internationally significant Dream public artwork.
- One of the world’s leading artists – Jaume Plensa – was commissioned to create the landmark artwork at Sutton Manor.
Media Contact: Andrew Moores on 01606 888111 or Richard Topley, of the Forestry Commission, on 01606 324909.