Posted by Tim Russell on 18 October 2010
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
View Annual reports from the Quantock AONB Service
Please click below to read responses made by the AONB on behalf of the Quantock Hills Joint Advisory Committee
Find out more about why the heathland is so important for birds, the red deer on the Quantocks and why the history of the landscape is so special.
The Quantock Hills AONB Management Plan 2009-2014 and Management Plan Summary
If you would like to subscribe to the Quantock Hills e-newsletter please email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) and we will put you on our mailing list
A few things you might find interesting from organisations we work with in the Quantocks
Find out how the Quantock Hills AONB Service commented on planning applications in 2012
Find our guidance documents and position statements here.
Climate-proof your tourism business
Annual deer count results for 2010, 2011and 2012
Building Resilient Villages
Papers from the partnership committee the Joint Advisory Committeeqhjac_papers_22nd_july_11.pdf
Quantock Hills Visitor Guide
a full range of leaflets from circular walks to event guides and leaflets to allow you to enjoy the best of the hills
Find out the Quantock Hills AONB Service position, and our response to SCC
The SDF for 20011/12 has £45,000 to allocate. This will provide grants to organisations, businesses, community groups and individuals who wish to explore and develop practical projects that enhance, conserve and develop the environment, economy and way of life.
Ticks are becoming more common and a bite from this spider-like parasite could lead to Lyme Disease. This is a treatable infection caused by bacterium transmitted by ticks when they bite. Not every tick carries Lyme Disease and it is important to realise that the disease is relatively rare.
Win a chance to create your own 'wild place'.
Quantock AONB Service
Tel: 01823 451 884
Somerset Wildlife Trust
Tel: 01823 652 400
www.somersetwildlife.org
National Trust
Tel: 01823 451 814
www.nationaltrust.org
Forestry Commission
Tel: 01278 732 319
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