Wollaton Hall visitors could face £1k fine if they don't follow these strict deer calving rules

Wollaton Hall and Deer Park has issued advice to those visiting the site over the next two months as deer calving season gets underway. 

Between early June and late July, hinds (female deer) give birth to their calves and become very protective of their young. 

The 500-acre parkland at Wollaton Hall is home to two herds of wild deer, including 120 fallow and 90 red. 

At this time of year, hinds will give birth in areas of long vegetation where the young deer will remain hidden for a few weeks. 

The mothers will keep watch from a distance, returning only to feed their young with milk. 

Protective mothers can be prone to attack during calving season, particularly around dog walkers. 

Wollaton Hall has issued six pieces of advice for those visiting the park during calving season. 

Visitors should adhere to the following guidance. 

1. Keep a wide berth from deer in the Wollaton Park hot spot area

2. Find alternative routes if possible

3. Avoid perimeter paths on the gold course

4. Avoid areas of bracken and long grass

5. Never touch a newborn deer, even if it is on its own. The mother will be watching nearby

6. Always keep at least 50 metres away from deer

Dog walkers should keep their pets on a lead at all times. 

However, if a deer charges, owners should let the dog off the lead so it can run away. 

Owners of dogs worrying the deer may receive a fine of up to £1,000.

You can find out more information here.