Leaf fall reveals delights
I WAS walking with the dog the other day when I noticed he didn’t have his collar on. I knew it was there when we set off and I had grabbed it as he took exception to a couple of bigger dogs that were walking past.
I thought I would wander back to search for the red collar, sticking to the same route. I’m glad I did.
As I walked along a cobbled path in the woods a roe deer darted in front of me. It stopped before leaping over a fence. Then two other deer strolled slowly into view.
I froze and so did they, like gun fighters in an old Western.
We stared at each for more than a minute before they got bored and followed their leader.
With most of the leaves on the floor now, it is fairly easy to see animals in woodland and deer do tend to come to lower areas to seek food.
In winter they are also more likely to be seen in groups, keeping together to forage and stay warm.
It is around this time of year that antlers begin to grow, males have short, six-pointed headgear. By summer they will be long enough for the rutting season.
You can’t really mistake a roe deer being mainly brown in colour with a reddish hue in summer, which turns a darker grey in winter.
The most obvious feature is the white or pale buff batch on their rear ends.
We are lucky in the north as roe deer are quite common here, compared to southern areas.
They like woodland for cover and moorland where they can look for tasty food.
It may be cold and wet out there but the wildlife is roaming around just waiting to say hello.
So wrap up warm and go for a little wander into the countryside – it’s not just good for your health, but imagine the glow if you see something special along the route. And I found the collar.
The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside is dedicated to the protection and promotion of the wildlife in Lancashire, seven boroughs of Greater Manchester and four of Merseyside, all lying north of the River Mersey.
It manages around 40 nature reserves and 20 local nature reserves covering acres of woodland, wetland, upland and meadow.
The trust has 28,000 members, and over 1,200 volunteers.
To become a member of the trust, go www.lancswt. org.uk or call 01772 324129.
For more information about Cheshire Wildlife Trust call, 01948 820728 or go to cheshire wildlifetrust.org.uk.