| RED DEER Cervus elaphus | |
| STATUS: | |
 Mick Hoult |
Native and formerly numerous in the Royal Forest of the Peak. A big decline in numbers took place following the dissolution of the Royal Forest in the middle of the17th century. Their current occurrence depends on escapes from deer parks. Feral populations have become established in the Goyt Valley above Whaley Bridge, and on Big Moor above Baslow. Vagrants occur more widely: for example one was present in Londgendale during late 2004 and early 2005 and similar sightings have been reported from several widely-spaced localities. Park herds can be seen at Chatsworth, Calke and other places. Red deer can also be seen in moorland edge habitat just outside the county boundary at Lyme Park in the NW Peak District, and Wharncliffe Chase on the NE. |