Petworth — Fallow Deer Rut
In autumn 2025, I worked in Petworth Park during the fallow deer rut — a short, intense period defined by heightened alertness, competition, and constant movement. The park supports a large, free-ranging deer population, and during the rut the dynamics of the landscape change rapidly as males establish dominance and guard groups of females.
This project was completed during a single field visit, requiring careful planning and decisive observation within a limited timeframe. Conditions were challenging: cold temperatures, persistent rain, and a very short window of usable daylight. Much of the work was carried out at long distances, both to minimise disturbance and to work safely around highly reactive animals.
The deer were extremely alert throughout the day. Small changes in wind direction, movement on the periphery, or shifts within the herd often triggered immediate reactions. Rather than tracking individual animals, I focused on reading group behaviour — recognising moments of tension, parallel movement, and escalation before they became visible confrontations.
Both video and still photography were used to document the rut. Video allowed brief sequences of interaction — posturing, vocalisation, and sparring — to unfold naturally, while still images focused on atmosphere, compression of space, and decisive moments shaped by rain and low light.
This project reflects a field-based approach rooted in preparation, restraint, and awareness. Working within a single visit and difficult conditions reinforced the importance of observation over repetition. The resulting imagery aims to communicate not only the visual intensity of the rut, but the discipline required to document it responsibly within a narrow opportunity.
