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Tatton Park - Deer ParkKnutsford, Cheshire In total there are 2,000 acres of landscaped deer park, woodland, meres and farmland which makes up the Tatton estate of which 1000 acres is open to the public, and you can explore on foot, on bike, or on horseback. The 1000 acres of parkland and woodland, is home to: Deer herds of red and fallow deer who roam freely in the wide open spaces. There has been a deer park here since 1290 when it was created by Royal Charter, and it is not difficult to come across them and photograph them. You cannot get up close to touch, but you can get close enough to photography without needing an ultra long lens. There is a breeding herd of 400 across both breeds. Deer behaviour changes seasonally and during the autumn when the 'rut' gets underway the males are at their most impressive. There are two rare breeds of sheep, the St Kilda which has been at Tatton since 1887 and the Soay sheep who arrived in the 1930's. The St Kilda sheep are black and are the oldest existing flocks on record. The Soays are small brown 'goat like' sheep thought to have been grazed in the Bronze Age. They can be found in the various paddocks around the Mansion as well as in the overflow car parks near the Children’s Adventure Playground, and the Ice Pond field opposite the Mansion. If you want to catch the lambs the best time to visit is April and May. During the summer months a tenant farmer also grazes his sheep within the parkland along with occasional cattle. There are also 2 meres which not only provides a wetland habitat for wildfowl but an activity centre for sailing boats and fishermen. There is also plenty of space around them for picnics and to fly a kite. The meres (Little Mere and Tatton Mere) are dedicated SSSI and RAMSAR sights being recognised for the nationally important habitats. They provide nest sites and winter refuge for large numbers of water birds but also have an abundance of wildflowers and plant life. In spring and summer you might get to see Swallows and Martins catch insects over the water.
Tatton Park is owned by the National Trust but since 1960 has been leased back to Cheshire Country Council who have since managed and financed the property on their behalf.
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