Tatton Park - Deer Park

Knutsford, 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.

Best Times and Places to View the Deer  Deer Leap view of the sanctuary NE corner On quiet evenings around the Old Hall Stags can be seen along Knutsford Drive in the summer Fawns and calves ‘following’ in early and late July During the Rut in Autumn Winter mornings during the deer feeding programme south of the war memorial for both images here Click on images to see larger

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.

Click on images to see larger versions

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.

Activities within the Park. The various activities that take place within the park such as horse riding, sailing and fishing do have extra charges involved and you should see their website for details. Bikes can be hired from Cycle Life Hire who can be found in the stableyard. Near the main car park there is an Adventure Playground for children with over 30 rides and there is something suitable for all ages and abilities from toddler to teens. The woodlands cover about 500 acres and is home to many birds including Treecreepers, Nuthatch and the 3 species of Woodpecker (Green, Greater Spotted and Lesser Spotted). Four species of bat have been recorded and amongst the fallen branches you will find invertebrates and fungi.

The Parkland News page of their website will keep you up to date with latest wildlife highlights taking place. Entry to the Park is free to walkers and those on bikes. However there are charges for cars and horse boxes as well as for horses. There are a number of other attractions at Tatton Park including: The Mansion House 50 Acres of Gardens 1930's Rare Breeds Working Farm and the Tudor Old Hall and Cruck Barn

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.

Further information Grid   Location: Tatton Park, Knutsford, Cheshire Ceremonial County: Cheshire Grid Reference: SJ750817 Map Link: Multimap Aerial photo: Google Aerial Photo    Route(s):   Best Times to Visit:   E-mail: tatton@cheshire.gov.uk Website: www.tattonpark.org.uk National Trust Other useful websites: Wiki Nearby Locations:   Other Relevant pages:   Classification: Deer Park Date Updated: 07/2008

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