Quantock Hills Blog

Hart Beat

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Tim Russell

Posted by Tim Russell on 18 October 2010

Hart Beat Andy has been busy taking people out to witness the annual deer rut … one of the most exciting wildlife events in the Quantock calendar.  It is important to remember that the deer can be pretty evident at this time of year and therefore more vulnerable to less respectful attention.

Deer poaching is often associated with ‘trespass with a firearm’ and therefore illegal on a number of counts.  Rangers liaise closely with local Police Officers at this time of year to ensure that a high profile is maintained.

If you come across suspicious activity regarding deer poaching do not interfere but pass on as many details to the Police as quickly as possible.

I spent Thursday evening out on the hills with a Police Officer based at Williton and we covered a large area in the northern part of the AONB.  Attention was paid to the Holford area and out onto the open hill.  Stopping to listen with lights and engine turned off is always exciting and a number of stags were heard roaring in the darkness.  It is a really primeval sound that makes the hair stand up on the back of the neck - an ancient sound that has reverberated around our forests long before humans had their impact on the wildwood.

 

Photo c/o Andy Harris

  


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