Deer field signs - some other common signs

When walking in the New Forest, look out for a range of field signs that betray the presence of deer.

Lying up places

These are usually small, often circular areas of flattened grass that indicate where deer have recently rested.

Stream crossings

Animal fords can be found that are as clearly visible as fords used by man. 

Paths through the undergrowth

Look out for narrow paths through grass or other vegetation, trampled by the regular passage of deer, fox or badger.

Deer 'creeps'

These are passage places under wire fences that often cut a hollow-way through the wood-bank on which the fence sits.

Browse lines

Notice horizontal 'skirts' on overhanging branches, indicating the reach of browsing deer and commoners’ stock.

Hair snagged on fences

This is an infrequent sight on the Crown Lands of the New Forest where barbed wire fencing is rarely used.

Roe deer ring

Roe rings provide evidence of these creatures repeated chases around tree trunks or broken stumps, chases that leave a circle or figure-of-eight of bare earth liberally sprinkled with slots and often remnants of hair. (Fallow deer, too, sometimes leave similar rings, and so do Reeves muntjac deer).

Cast antlers

Cast antlers can occasionally be found, but the deer often gnaw them or even eat them completely, attracted by the calcium in the bone.

New Forest deer field signs - find out lots more

New Forest deer - find out lots more

References:
The History of British Mammals: Derek Yalden
Roe Deer: John K. Fawcett, British Deer Society
New Forest Roe Deer: John K. Fawcett
Deer Watch: Richard Prior
Mammals of Britain and Europe: David McDonald, Priscilla Barret
Field Guide to British Deer: F J Taylor Page

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