This double bend is affectionately known as Deer Corner because you can often see roe deer here, either crossing the road or grazing in the fields. The best times of day are dusk or dawn, when the deer are most active. When hidden at 8:20am, there were 22 deer grazing in the field...
Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) are our smallest native deer. They were actually hunted to extinction in England by 1800, but reintroductions during Victorian times slowly allowed numbers to increase. Commercial forestation during the latter half of the 20th century has seen a rapid increase in their range & numbers. In some areas, their density is so great that they emerge from their preferred woodland habitat to graze on farmland, which often causes conflict with farmers & even gardeners.
Normally solitary animals during the summer months, roe deer form small groups during the winter. There are various collective nouns in use for deer, including a herd, mob or leash of deer. A group of roe deer can also be referred to as a bevy! GC65EY7
Bucks do not have large antlers, being no more than 30cm with just three tines (points). They form territories in the summer, but although mating (the rut) occurs during July & August, the fertilised egg does not implant & begin to grow until January. This is thought to be an evolutionary adaptation to the harsh northern winters. Does usually produce two or three kids in May or June & whilst their mother feeds, these lie inert & hidden. This behaviour lasts for up to two months, longer than other deer, & sometimes leads to kids being brought to the RSPCA as 'abandoned'. Most kids are weaned by November & are nearly fully grown at a year old. Wild roe deer can live for around eight years.
When searching for this cache, look out for the deer & take care near the nettles & the barbed wire! There is an old collapsed dry stone wall here. The cache is not in or on the wall & you DO NOT need to move any stones to find it.
Congratulations to cats-eyes for FTF!