Rusland Rut

October is the time of the year when red deer come together to mate.It is known as rutting and sometimes involves in fighting amongst rival stags as they compete for the attention of the females.It is an annual spectacle which I like to see and photograph and in the past I have gone to Leighton Moss.I understand that some of the deer have been culled and few are present so this Autumn I visited the Rusland Valley in the southern Lake District.I had good reports that the deer were showing well and so on a couple of occasions recently I visited this lovely part of southern lakeland.

There is a nature reserve at Hay Bridge in the Rusland valley and that is where I expected the red deer to be. A trip onto the reserve confirmed the presence of deer as they could be heard bellowing and roaring in the distance.It was not however possible to get near the deer and so I left Hay Bridge to have a ride around the Rusland valley.The Rusland valley is secluded and very peaceful as it is well off the tourist trail and is a lovely area to explore.One notable feature is the church at the head of the valley where one of this country's famous authors lies buried alongside his wife.

Arthur Ransome was the author of many children's adventure stories and is probably best known for writing "Swallows and Amazons" which was set on Coniston Water.Arthur Ransome had a very interesting life and married a high ranking Russian officials daughter.He was also an excellent fisherman and lived in various houses in Southern Lakeland.I always like to pay my respects when in the area and visit the beautifully situated church at the head of the valley.

On my way back down the valley a group of red deer could be seen not far from the road at the edge of Rusland Moss.There was one dominant stag and one or two young bucks  with around six or seven hinds.I spent an interesting hour or so photographing the deer and was pleased with the results.I did in fact return at a later date and found the deer still in the same location.It was a lovely location on the edge of Rusland Moss and the deer enjoyed the sanctuary of the birch trees and long grasses of this part of the valley. I hope you enjoy my efforts at capturing the excitement of the rut and if you get the opportunity to visit this part of the Lake District you will not be disappointed.Thanks for looking in and tune in for my next trip to Leighton Moss where I had excellent views of one of the Great White Egrets currently on the reserve.