Deer of the New Forest
Over the past few weeks, photographers Bret Charman and Emma Healey have been leading a series of photographic workshops in the New Forest, focusing on the deer that call it home.
The New Forest is one of the oldest protected areas in the UK, a former royal hunting ground enjoyed by the kings of the medieval period. The red and fallow deer found in the forest today can trace their ancestry back to this time, a wild population of deer in a pocket of wild landscapes on the south coast of the UK.
Image by Bret Charman
Bret Charman has been photographing the deer of the New Forest, and other areas of Hampshire, for the past six or seven years, building up an in-depth knowledge of the UK’s largest wild mammals. Our workshops this year were a great success, despite some typically autumnal weather, and every group were able to find the red and fallow deer that call the forest home.
Image by Bret Charman
The stunning surrounds of ancient broadleaf forests, Scots pine, freshwater streams and open heaths provide countless photography opportunities of some of the UK’s most impressive wildlife. Our workshops were timed to coincide with the end of the rut, so as to leave them in peace during a period when they are very easily disturbed.
Image by Emma Healey
The photographic highlights for the majority of the clients, were the red deer, simply due to their impressive size and spectacular antlers. However, the fallow deer can be excellent photographic subjects too, particular when you find a pale or darker morphed individuals in the open heaths.
Image by Bret Charman
Whether the deer are in the trees or on the heaths, the photographic opportunities are hard to beat, and certainly much more impressive than any of the deer parks found across the UK.
Image by Emma Healey
With the herds starting to spread out in to the forest once more, and with a lockdown with us once again, our New Forest workshops for 2020 are now finished but you can register your interest for future departures.
Image by Bret Charman
Find out more about our New Forest Deer Photography Workshops, or speak to our wildlife experts.
