compared with the few pre-1965 records (map 3), reflect observations on the
Markshall group of fallow by Mrs Sheila T. Reynolds and Mr C. S. Whybrow in
1970-1971. Likewise, the frequent records in square TQ59 and the lack of
records in TL50 compared with the pre-1965 results reflect, respectively, the
activities of the people who have been studying the Navestockside group of
fallow deer in the area of South Weald and the move of an active recorder away
from Ongar. Nevertheless, these post-1969 records do confirm the continued
presence of fallow deer in certain areas of the county.
The number of fallow deer recorded as killed in road traffic accidents in the
Epping Forest area was considerably less, the carcases of only nine animals
being received in just over seven years. Although more deer were killed than
were received, the small number appears to reflect a genuine decrease in the
number of fallow frequenting the main part of the Forest. Recently, however,
there have been comments that the deer may be slightly less scarce than in the
early 1970s, although few concrete records have been received to confirm this
view.
Fallow deer were rarely recorded south of the London-Colchester road
(A12) although about six animals were seen on the edge of Cock Wood to the
north-east of Brentwood in November 1973 by a passenger on a train. No
evidence of deer was found in this wood in May 1967 although several fallow
were seen about 1.5 km away at Havering's Grove in June 1967.
A more unusual record was that of a fallow deer seen in August-September
1971 at Asheldham Hall Farm on the Dengie peninsula. The origin and final
destination of this animal remains a mystery. In March 1971, deer tracks were
reported at Garlands Farm, Birch but their identity was not established. A deer
seen near Pebmarsh in June 1971 could have been a yearling fallow buck or a
roe deer (see page 29). The other records received in this period (Appendix 4)
are unremarkable.
Red Deer
Pre-1965 records
There is very little information available on the distribution of red deer in
Essex during this period. Wild red deer are believed to have become extinct in
the county in the first half of the nineteenth century (see Laver, 1898). Most of
the wild red deer remaining in Epping Forest were caught and taken to Windsor
Park in the early 1800s, the last remaining animal, a stag, reputedly being
hunted and killed at West Ham (Buxton, 1884). A red deer stag was hunted in
Hainault Forest and finally killed in Plaistow in October 1827 (Cole, 1880).
About 1880, a stag and two hinds were liberated in Epping Forest but the
animals proved troublesome and were killed (Buxton, 1884). Five red deer were
present near Hatfield Broad Oak (TL51) in 1887, the animals allegedly being
the progeny of a hind that escaped from hounds while being hunted in 1875
(Flower, 1887). About 1911, another red deer hind, presumably a carted
animal, also escaped from hounds and made her home on the borders of Epping
Forest at Theydon Bois (TQ4498)(Buxton, 1915).
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