The high point

Hot weather and hungry midges make stalking roe testing but a suitable buck on the hill presents a textbook shot for Jack Bell

- Jack Bell

The ecological adaptability of the roe deer means they can thrive in almost any landscape. Considering the species was extinct in most of its UK range by the mid-18th century, it is astonishing that the population is now in the region of 500,000, covering the length and breadth of the country. The common factor of all areas supporting a roe population is the availability of cover, whether it’s trees, standing crops, reeds or high grass. It is a major factor that directly affects the distribution of roe deer and can cause periodic fluctuations in population density.

The white grass and heather-clad hill that backs on to our small pheasant and partridge shoot has always harboured a relatively small population of roe deer. In recent years, three separate areas around the boundary have been planted with commercial forestry. This human adaption of the landscape has caused a noticeable rise in local deer numbers, as animals move in to feed on the young trees and take advantage of the ample cover.

Roe does were the first to colonise these newly planted areas, looking for suitable areas to give birth and raise their kids. In turn, their presence has attracted several bucks from further afield and now the hill has the highest deer population for many years. It’s wonderful to see such a thriving population of an often underrated species, but this boom has its disadvantages and damage to the commercial plantations is increasing.