Chinese Water Deer

An authoritative, well-illustrated guide that explains how Chinese water deer have adapted to life in certain parts of the UK, as well as how best to manage them now and in the future. Introduced to the UK in the late nineteenth century, the Chinese water deer is a shy and enigmatic species that, since escaping from deer parks, has established itself in the wild mainly in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Norfolk. Considered one of the leading experts on these tusked deer – which are native to fertile river bottoms in Korea and the Yangtze River (Chang Jiang) valley in China – Paul Childerley has written an all-encompassing guide explaining how these diminutive Asian deer have adapted to life in certain parts of the country, and how best to manage them now and in the future. A respected estate and deer manager, who has nurtured a growing population of Chinese water deer in Bedfordshire for nearly thirty years, Paul’s love and respect for these animals shines through in this book. Exclusive insights from the Woburn archives reveal how the 11th Duke of Bedford first imported them to this country, while consecutive chapters document their unique lifestyle, unusual habits and mannerisms; how to stalk them and recipes for enjoying their sweet and tender venison. Also included are interviews with other land managers and deer experts. This engaging and beautifully illustrated account reveals everything you need to know about Chinese water deer by one who knows them well.