Back to list of events

The Rut on Foot with the RSPB at Wild Haweswater

Join our RSPB Assistant Warden (and deer guru) Richard Smith to experience the sights and sounds of this remarkable autumn event.

Event Date

08 October 2026

This event will also happen on the following dates:

Thursday 08 Oct 2026
Saturday 10 Oct 2026

Description

At this time of year, the competitive Red Deer stags (males), are pumped full of testosterone and so display impressive behaviours - such as roaring across the fells and valleys and (if we’re really lucky clashing antlers in a head to head fight). This is all aimed at showing off to the hinds (females) and asserting their dominance over other stags.

We’ll take a stroll up the Riggindale Valley at the head of Haweswater reservoir, to hopefully see and hear this natural spectacle. Along the way you’ll discover more about Red Deer, their habits, why their numbers can be problematic to the restoration of this landscape and how that can be managed sustainably.

(Image of a Red Deer stag by Rosie Dutton, rspb-images.com)