Natural Habitat & Feeding
Fallow deer can be found in a variety of habitats but have a preference for deciduous and mixed woodland.
Fallow deer are classed as grazers or non-selective bulk feeders although they will browse upon trees and shrubs as well. The diet will vary upon where the animal is located, for example in the New Forest heather makes up a large proportion of the winter diet.
The majority of their diet consists of grass and herbs with additions of heather, conifer, holly and bramble. Plants which have been found not to be eaten by Fallow deer include ragwort, foxglove and stinging nettle.
Fallow deer can be seen feeding at all times of the day. The main feeding activity takes place around dawn and in the late afternoon or evening. Between these times the Fallow deer find an undisturbed place to ruminate and chew the cud.
During the rut large bucks may stop feeding completely and a loss of condition will often result. Younger bucks hanging around on the fringes will continue to eat as normal. When disturbed while out feeding, animals will follow the dominant doe of the group back into cover, all moving off in a distinct pecking order of dominance.
Mature bucks in the group will generally move off in a different direction and not follow the doe. Before moving out into an open area to feed, small, cautious groups will form just inside the trees of a forest or wood, wearing away quite a noticeable path, only venturing out once they are sure it is safe to do so.