No, I'm not talking about boozy nights out for the boys before they get married. I mean something filled with far more testosterone than than juvenile pranks can muster. Something that really separates the men from the boys, the haves from the have nots. Something to really the girls talking and crowding round in awe.
I am, of course, talking about the annual red deer rut, where huge stags battle for supremacy and the right to mate with their chosen harem of females, or hinds. These battles are all about posturing and posing. Weaker stags will rarely engage in physical confrontation for fear of serious injury. However, if the endless deep-throated roars, bellows and grunts don't determine the victor, then let battle commence as stags charge at each other, heads bowed, to clash antlers with sickening force.
If you'd like ot expereince this incredible spectacle for yourself, then join us on Westleton Heath where we've opened a free viewpoint to watch the action in the flesh. The viewpoint is open every Saturday and Sunday evening until 23 October, and will be staffed from about 3.30 pm to dusk. We have binoculars and telescopes to improve your views of the deer. You may also see foxes, green woodpeckers or even stone-curlews from the viewpoint.
Interested? Then head to Westleton heath. When the viewpoint is open, it will be signed from the large Natural England car aprk on Westleton Heath. From here it is a half mile walk to the viewpoint where you'll find our information trailer. You won't regret the walk.
Red deer by Jon Evans
Thanks for your comments Mrs Taz. Plenty of chance for everyone else to see the rutting as viewpoint open every weekend to 23 October.
Went to Westleton Heath on 25/9/2011 and what a sight, yes the deer were at the back of the field but I was spellbound by the stags in the herd. There must of been about 80+ deer in the herd, Amazing. I really can't recomend this enough, but if you haven't been then go its so worth it.
We also saw Green woodpeckers and a fox hunting for rabbits to.