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Lakes Deer Fest

Lakes Deer Fest at Rheged this October.

Event Date

10 October 2026

£ FREE

Description

Behind the Lens. Speaker: Deb Heath, British Deer Society Photographic Ambassador
Join British Deer Society Photographic Ambassador, Deb Heath, as she shares her experiences out in the field, camera in hand, in pursuit of the 'perfect shot'. In this captivating presentation, Deb will reveal the photographic and fieldcraft techniques behind her award-winning images, offering a fascinating insight into wildlife photography. There will also be plenty of time to ask questions and learn from her experiences.

Ticket price: Free. 1 hour.

Discover Deer and the Lake District Landscape. Speaker: Alastair Boston, Deer Officer, Forestry Commission
Join Forestry Commission Deer Officer, Alastair Boston for a fascinating introduction to one of Cumbria’s most iconic wild animals. Discover how our free-roaming deer are monitored using traditional field skills and modern technology, why woodland creation and healthy deer populations go hand in hand, and how wild venison connects people, food and the landscape. Perfect for anyone curious about the wildlife of the Lake District.

Ticket price: Free. 1 hour.

Stories and Songs of the Wild

Part One - Into the Hidden Forest. Storyteller, Stephen G. Rae
Step into the ancient woodlands of Cumbria and discover a world where folklore, wildlife and imagination meet. Join storyteller, author and artist Stephen G. Rae, the Bard of Cumberland, for an enchanting journey through Inglewood Forest, where tree spirits, woodland creatures and the Hidden Folk emerge from the shadows.

Drawing inspiration from his book, Folklore of the Lake District, this magical storytelling performance weaves together Cumbrian dialect, nature lore and timeless talks for audiences of all ages.

Part Two - Song of the Deer. BlueJam Arts
Experience the premiere of Song of the Deer – new music created especially for Lakes Deer Fest.

Follow the deer into the myths and meanings of the wild places of Cumbria. Written and devised by young people working with BlueJam Arts, this uplifting blend of music and poetry celebrates the landscapes, wildlife and stories that connect us to Cumbria’s deer.

Inspired by the sounds of wind, water, forest and fell, this unique performance offers a fresh and creative perspective on the Lake District and its iconic wildlife.

Ticket price: Free. 1 hour.

Drones, Deer and the Future of Conservation. Speaker: Ben Harrower, BH Wildlife Consultancy
How do you count deer across mountains without disturbing them? Wildlife specialist, Ben Harrower, reveals how drones, thermal imaging and other modern tools are transforming the way we understand wildlife. Through remarkable footage and real-life examples, discover how new technology is revealing where deer live and move, helping shape woodland creation, habitat restoration and conservation across Britain.

Ticket price: Free. 45 minutes.

Working with Wildlife, panel discussion
Could your future be working in the woods or up on the fells? Meet Cumbria Connect Wildlife Ranger Trainees and professionals working across Cumbria’s landscape as they share their journeys into conservation, woodland creation and deer management. Watch a short film, ask questions and discover careers helping care for the landscapes we all enjoy.

Ticket price: Free. 45 minutes.

Films from the Landscape
Relax and enjoy a collection of inspiring short films celebrating deer, wildlife, landscapes and rural life. From intimate encounters with Red and Roe deer, to stories of woodland restoration, conservation and local communities, this showcase offers a beautiful finale to the inaugural Lakes Deer Fest.

Ticket price: Free. 45 minutes.

Image © RSPB.