UK Deer Species: The 6 Types Of UK Deer [Explained]

What Are The 6 Types Of UK Deer Species?

Answer: Chinese Water Deer, Fallow Deer, Muntjac Deer, Roe Deer, Red Deer and Sika Deer

When it comes to English wildlife, the deer is perhaps one of the most iconic, and in terms of UK Deer Species, there are actually numerous different types of deer that come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

With this in mind, we’ve come up with some key features of the six most common UK Deer Species in our handy guide plus we reveal all about the deer that we have here roaming free in the Easthampstead Park grounds.

We hope you enjoy the read.

Chinese Water Deer 

If you’ve never seen one before, Chinese water deer can be quite the sight to behold; however, unlike other deer in England, they do not have any antlers. Instead, Chinese water deer have prominent tusks. These sharp tusks, coupled with their small build and large, oval-shaped ears, can give them a rather peculiar appearance somewhat akin to a vampiric teddy bear.

Fallow Deer

Fallow deer are perhaps the most well-known British deer species, thanks to their massive, broad, flat antlers and distinctive spotted coat. They are roughly the same size as Sika deer but come in four different coat variations, including the common tan/fawn colouring, as well as menil (a paler coat), melanistic (almost entirely black), or white (with a very pale, sandy coat). In a tiny handful of cases, fallow deer may even be born albino.

Muntjac Deer

You’d be forgiven for questioning that the tiny muntjac deer is even a species of deer at all – and are often only 16kg or less at maturity, giving them a very small and sweet appearance. However, of all the six species found in the UK they are also among the most distinctive English deer for their backwards-pointing horns and large, oval-shaped eyes. Management of this breed of deer Muntjac has become a concern for conservationists due to their impact on woodland ecosystems, as they strip the shrub layer, altering both the structure and microclimate of the habitat.

Roe Deer 

Small and nimble, roe der only grow to – at most – 25kg, but their exceptional speed and grace mean you may only catch a passing glimpse. They typically have small antlers compared to other deer species with many nodules, making them distinctive overall and can often be found in grassland areas grazing.

Red Deer

If you come across a towering deer during your travels in England, chances are it’s a red deer breed. The red male deer can be found weighing anywhere up to 200kg for adult stags, with a massive rack of wide antlers. Red deer are also recognisable for their rich, auburn-red coats; however, other than this, they typically have no uniquely distinguishing features. They are also much shorter-lived than other deer species in the United Kingdom.

Sika Deer

The Sika deer is perhaps most iconic for its size and – in the case of the stags – awe-inspiring set of antlers. They can weigh up to 70kg in weight and look quite similar to fallow deer during the summer; however, you can usually recognise a Sika deer for the distinctive dark brown/black stripe along their backs. They also have a white rump.

British Deer Lovers

If you love deer why not check out the British Deer Society on their Facebook Page HERE - these guys do fantastic conservation work and are well worth following if you're a UK Deer Lover! If you're interested in why Deer Shed Their Antlers then please read THIS ARTICLE on our website.

All 6 UK Deer Species in ONe Video - Check it out!

Deer At Easthampstead Park

At Easthampstead Park, we’re fortunate to have Roe Deer in our grounds, and we take great care to preserve their habitat.

As deer populations in the UK have steadied in recent times, the importance of supporting the ecology that surrounds our property has become paramount. This is why we are proud to be involved with the Woodland Trust, a charity that protects and restores woodland across the UK.

As we learned more about the different deer species in England, we were struck by the unique features and characteristics of each species and we’re grateful to be able to witness these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat and appreciate the important role they play in the local ecosystem.

Our Ecological Pledge As A Socially Responsible Company

At Easthampstead Park, we believe in doing our part to support the environment and the animals that call it home. Our involvement with the Woodland Trust is just one way we can contribute to preserving the natural beauty around us.

We encourage everyone to take an interest in the wildlife and ecology of their local area and to find ways to support and protect it. Together, we can make a real difference in the world around us.

For more info on what we’re doing and our ethos on the topic of Social Responsibility please visit our website and check out our GREEN PAGE.

Thanks for reading. If you've enjoyed this article and share our passion for animals, we invite you to explore more fascinating species that call Easthampstead Park home, like the slow worm.

FAQS on DEER OF GREAT BRITAIN

Q. Which UK deer species are native, and which are introduced?
A. Roe deer and red deer are the only two species truly native to the UK. The other four, Chinese water deer, fallow deer, muntjac, and sika deer, are alien species and were introduced from other parts of Europe or Asia, mainly for ornamental or hunting purposes.

Q. Do all UK deer species live in herds?
A. Not necessarily. While species like fallow and red deer often form herds, others, like muntjac and roe deer, are more solitary or live in small family groups, especially outside of the breeding season.

Q. How can I identify deer tracks or signs in the wild?
A. Look for cloven hoof prints, flattened grass trails, nibbled vegetation at deer head-height, and small oval droppings. You may also notice tree bark stripped by antler rubbing during the rut.

Q. Are there specific times of year when you're more likely to see deer in the UK?
A. Yes, deer are most active at dawn and dusk. Autumn is a particularly good time to observe them, especially during the rut when stags are more visible and vocal.

Q. What should I do if I encounter a deer while walking in the countryside?
A. Stay quiet, keep your distance, and avoid sudden movements. Never attempt to feed or touch wild deer. If you’re walking a dog, keep it on a lead to prevent chasing or stressing the animal.