Spotting mammals

Red deer

These are the largest native land mammals in Britain. The best time to see them is from September to November when the stags, with their magnificent antlers, are rutting, but July is also a good time as the hinds have just had their calves. Red deer are widespread throughout the Highlands of Scotland - try Glenmuick and Craig Meagaidh NNR - and they can also be seen in the Lake District, Exmoor, the Quantocks, Thetford Forest, the New Forest and in Gosford Forest Park in Northern Ireland (www.gosford.co.uk). They are also in deer parks such as Richmond Park, Surrey; Lyme Park, Cheshire; and Eastnor Park, Herefordshire.