New photo contest celebrates Scotland's urban deer

21st December 2014

To celebrate one of Scotland's most renowned and beloved animals, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has launched a free photo contest - Scotland’s first Urban Deer Photography Competition.

More and more deer are moving into urban areas, as new green spaces and woodlands are created in the Central Belt and in towns and cities across the country. This means many more people in Scotland are enjoying seeing wild deer – and have the chance to take some stunning pictures.

There are two types of native deer in Scotland - red deer and roe deer. The majestic red deer is our largest terrestrial mammal, and one of the most impressive wildlife spectacles of Scotland. In contrast, the striking and delicate roe deer is found throughout mainland Scotland wherever there is a tiny patch of cover where they can hide by day. Roe deer are increasingly being seen in towns and cities, with some now even living close to the centre of Glasgow. Fallow and sika deer have also been introduced to Scotland through deliberate releases and escapes from country parks.

Anton Watson of SNH, who is organising the photo contest, said:"We’ve seen wild deer in many places in towns and cities recently – from parks to gardens to cemeteries and roundabouts. In fact, if you’re not aware of deer in your local park, you may want to take a walk and see what you’ll discover, particularly at dusk or dawn. Roe deer are found in every 10-kilometre square of mainland Scotland, so you’re never too far from deer – you just need to keep your eyes open and your camera ready!"

There are two great prizes, the first being a day accompanying the Wildlife Operations Unit on a helicopter deer count over a part of the red deer range. The winner will have much opportunity to photograph some of Scotland’s most scenic areas from the sky! The runner up will be treated to a day of photography tuition with resident SNH photographer, Lorne Gill. Lorne is a widely respected photographer and will tailor the day to suit.

The closing date for entries is 1 March, 2015. Submit photos of deer in urban settings to urbandeerphotocomp[AT]snh.gov.uk . A maximum of three photos per person will be accepted.

For full contest rules, see http://www.snh.gov.uk/enjoying-the-outdoors/deer-photo-competition/

Wild deer are a huge asset to Scotland; they are one of Scotland's most iconic species, and play an important part in our rural economy and culture, as well as being an important part of the country’s biodiversity.