Places to view deer in South Wales

[bbell]

I wanted to try and find a place that had different kinds of deer to view. I live in Cardiff and our family was hoping for a day out soon where we could hike and see some wildlife. We recently moved from the states and I’ve never seen any of your deer before. Only in pictures.
I’ve gathered that South Wales isn’t full of deer but was hoping to find an area within a couple hours of me. I brought my Swarovski binos and I’m itching to see some. I read that the brecons have some reds but not sure if their accessible. Thanks for any suggestions.
Brandon

 

[DRWC]

There are fallow in Dinefwr park

 

[James0586]

The best place for you to go would be Margham Park in Port Talbot. They have fallow and pier David deer there. They are not exactly wild but the fallow do range. The other place to try would be the Forest of Dean and they would be wild with the chance of seeing Wild boar. The reds in Brecon are not like you would see on the wildlife programmes they are nocturnal

 

[sir-lamp-alot]

A little bit of a drive for you but not to far would be to go over to the forest of dean, theres lots of fallow plus roe and muntjac and even the chance to see some wild boar if your lucky, first or last light will give you your best chance

 

[MarkD123]

Another vote for the Forest of Dean, plenty of public footpaths etc and a really good chance of seeing deer and boar if you’re quiet at first light or as the sun goes down.

 

[Riverwye]

Margam country park would be a good day out for you and your family.

 

[bbell]

Awesome. Thank you so much. We’ve been able to explore the area some but haven’t taken time to see the wildlife. Will have to travel Margam park and Forest of Dean soon.
We were near Northleach the other day and counted 111 pheasants. Even saw some chukar and I think grey partridge. Was really neat seeing them out in the fields. The kids loved looking out for them.

 

[Gm81]

I had to Google chukar. That would be red legged or French partridge where I live. But they do look like chukar.
Everyday is a school day.
Thank you for that.

 

[plonker]

Margam also have a light show on this time of year that you have to book.
Lovely evening walk around the grounds for the family

 

[Taff]

My mates chiller in Newport along with wild boar.

 

[bbell]

Ok I’ve heard them referred to red legs before. Always learning. Before we moved I was trying to look up what kind of opportunities there were for deer and couldn’t find very much. Then I realized you use the term stalking and not hunting and then I found a lot more info. Love seeing and learning different hunting traditions. Thanks!

 

[Stalker62]

Ok I’ve heard them referred to red legs before.

When I starred out shooting in 1886, this was a real conversation I had, with one of the older guns.


"Why are French Partridge referred to as 'Red Legs'?"

"It is because they resemble the old French Army uniform, and like the French Army, they run at the sound of the guns".



Apologies in advance to any Francophiles.

 

[8x57]

In addition to Margam Park and the Forest of Dean you could try Moccas Park. Moccas Court - Moccas

 

[ApexOrdnance]

I'm in Newport just down the road and I would also highly reccomend the forest of dean. Also, not so much deer but Wentwood has some great short hikes 5-10k which are perfect for children. More hiking in Wales than you could do in a lifetime, plenty more if you head into mid wales too.

 

[Jon P]

Definitely a few fallow in Wentwood Forest, pick a quiet day and you may see them, they have felled a lot of trees this year though so may of moved them around a bit more.

 

[Gm81]

View attachment 231275

When I starred out shooting in 1886, this was a real conversation I had, with one of the older guns.


"Why are French Partridge referred to as 'Red Legs'?"

"It is because they resemble the old French Army uniform, and like the French Army, they run at the sound of the guns".



Apologies in advance to any Francophiles.

No need to apologise. It's history, and I think it's great to learn where terms or names come from.

 

[foxdropper]

Don’t forget your thermal spotter

 

[disco_ike]

It’s a bit of a cop out but for a starter there is the park herd at Clifton in Bristol. There’s some lovely walks around the estate there and with the famous Clifton bridge it’s a good day out with kids

 

[bbell]

We’ll add Clifton to the list. We’ve been enjoying exploring and walking around places.

 

[starr shot]

We’ll add Clifton to the list. We’ve been enjoying exploring and walking around places.

Ashton court near Clifton have Red and Fallow