Tiny Hooves in the Woods: Muntjac Deer at Cookswood

Tucked away in the peaceful woodlands of Cookswood, there’s a secretive little creature that’s been catching the eye of curious walkers and residents alike.

If you’ve spent time walking through the woodland at Cookswood, you may have noticed a small, shy deer darting through the trees, or even heard an unusual barking sound echoing in the quiet! These are likely muntjac deer, and they’ve become regular and welcome visitors to the estate. We often receive questions about them, especially as they’re frequently mistaken for baby deer due to their small, delicate size.

The Muntjac. - one of Cookswood’s regular woodland visitors

Muntjac are one of the smallest species of deer in the UK, standing just 40–50cm at the shoulder, with rounded backs, large eyes, and soft fawn colouring that helps them blend into the undergrowth. Despite their small stature, these are fully grown adults. Originally introduced to the UK from Southeast Asia in the early 20th century, they’ve adapted well to life in Britain - particularly in peaceful, wooded environments like Cookswood.

Here on the estate, they’re most often spotted at dawn and dusk, quietly foraging for leaves, fruits, and shoots along the woodland edges. Their bark-like call can be surprising if you’ve never heard it before, and it often leads people to wonder what kind of animal they’ve encountered.

Their presence is a wonderful reminder of the rich biodiversity we’re surrounded by and our commitment to protecting and living in harmony with the environment. As you explore the estate, keep your eyes and ears open - you may just catch a glimpse of one of our quieter, more secretive neighbours.