Charlecote Park - A crisp Autumn Walk

November has arrived but not as it usually does. The weather has been so mild that you could almost think it was Summer again. That is until you look around and see all the Autumn colours and the leaves on the ground. It has even confused the deer!

The Rut started well but then the warmer weather confused them so some of the bucks have gone back to what they were doing in the build up to the rut and eating all they can! I went on both 'Deer at Dawn' walks and the deer were quieter than usual. You could hear the bellowing noise coming from around the park and we did see a couple of short fights which is unusual. There is normally a lot more action than we saw but this didn't spoil the mornings at all as early walks at Charlecote are always magical. What is needed is a cold start to the day for the rut to really get going again but that is up to Mother Nature.

Have you heard a buck bellowing? You can't miss it if you are near a deer park at this time of year. Here is a video I recorded of the buck in the photo above.

West Park is closed  at the moment due to the Rutting Season but if you  have missed out on the 'Deer at Dawn' or 'Deer at Dusk' walks, there are still the daytime walks which are led by the lovely Volunteer Park Guides who will take you in to this area of the Park under supervision. Ask at reception when you come in and they will be able to tell you what time the walks are on.

 This video which I have shared before is the only rut I have managed to get on video this year so far...I say so far as I am determined to get some better footage!

Do you know it is the does that pick their mating partner? It might be the buck that puts on the big show but it is the females choice in the end!

It is also the time in which this years fawns are weaned of their mothers.

                  Look at the size of these antlers. This is a full grown buck!

This next photo shows a young male deer, I would guess he was around 3-4 years old. Isn't he a beauty?

Next we have a a young male in his second year. A Pricket. 

Autumn really is a lovely time of year at Charlecote Park and my favourite time of year.

There was me thinking I was watching the deer and it was me who was being watched!

And he wasn't the only one!

I can't believe the different a few days makes to the Autumn colours around the park. Here are some of the Autumn photos I took over the weekend.

You just can't beat an Autumn walk  with the sound of crisp leaves beneath your feet. I can't help but kick the leaves as I walk. 

The view from the Gatehouse.

Towards Charlecote Church.

Lime Avenue.

My favourite view of the house.

Charlecote really is a magical place at this time of year, I love my time spent there. I realised this week I have been volunteering at Charlecote Park for two years! Two amazing years!

Autumn colours are everywhere you look!

The River Dene.

Thanks for reading my Autumn blog. I hope you enjoyed it.


                                                Copyright Jana Eastwood