Richmond Park in London’s southwest is wonderful in any season, but in deer rutting season (September/October), the stags are vocal and can be heard bellowing around the park. It’s easy to hire a bike and track them down. It’s a good idea to keep a safe distance as although they are used to people, during the rut their testosterone is out of control!

Click on the first photo to start a sideshow

Looks like the doe on the right is trying to sort out this bit of biff

Both Red and Fallow deer can be seen

Herds of joggers also congregate in Richmond Park. Flocks of cyclists are also a danger to watch out for.

You can really see the deer-eaten tree line

Taking it easy under a tree but still making sure the other stags know who’s boss!

I’m not too sure when deer stop breast feeding but I imagine that by the time your child is as big as you are, it’s a pretty good time to stop!

It’s not just the deer that are interesting to watch!

Someone’s having a great time off-leash!

Stag making his presence felt (or heard!)

2 young’uns flexing their muscles

My picnic perch with a view (the brown blobs are deer)

Lovely house on the walk back from Richmond Park

It’s a door, I couldn’t help myself!