Deer have lived in the New Forest since 1079 when it was created by William the Conqueror as his Royal hunting ground. They were hunted for sport and for their meat (venison), which has a really distinctive taste. There are five species of deer found within the New Forest National park, yet only two are native to Britain. The other three species have either, escaped or have been released.

ROE DEER (Caprelous Capreolus) are native to Britain and are usually solitary animals, although sometimes they may be seen in small groups. Even though this species is native to Britain, only a few hundred Roe deer live in the New Forest.

RED DEER (Cervus Elaphus) are also native to Britain and are the largest deer species found here. Numbers are kept between 100 and 150 within the New Forest. The Stags are easily identified by their large antlers which can grow to over a metre in length.

A pair of Japanese SIKA DEER (Cervus Nippon) were given to the 2nd Baron Montagu of Beaulieu as a gift from King Edward VII. These deer escaped in 1904 and the following year a second pair were released on to the estate. Contained by railway fencing, the deer can only be found in the Southern part of the forest and around Beaulieu.

MUNTJAC DEER (Muntiacus Reevesii) or the 'barking deer' are native to China. These very small deer were introduced into Britain in the late 19th Century and escaped from captivity at Woburn Park. Unlike other deer, there is no set breeding season and so the Muntjac breeds at a much faster rate than other species.

It's believed that FALLOW DEER (Dama Dama) were introduced by the Normans, although some say that herds were brought over by the Romans. Colours and markings of Fallow deer vary greatly. Some are creamy-white, while others are dark brown. Some have spotted markings all year round and some are only spotted during summer.