White buck makes rare appearance outside country manor as he leads female deer through the estate

By
Simon Tomlinson

13:31 EST, 24 April 2012

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18:40 EST, 24 April 2012

Guests of a country hotel were left stunned when this spectacular white deer strutted through the sprawling country estate.

The majestic animal, which is rarely ever seen by the public, was snapped in the grounds of the luxurious 16th century hotel Gravetye Manor, in Sussex, by a guest.

The teenage buck can be seen leading a large heard of female deer through the 1,000-acre retreat, once the residence of the famous gardener William Robinson.

Entourage: The teenage buck was spotted leading a large heard of female deer through the estate, once the residence of the famous gardener William Robinson

Entourage: The teenage buck was spotted leading a large heard of female deer through the estate, once the residence of the famous gardener William Robinson

Entourage: The teenage buck was spotted leading a large heard of female deer through the estate, once the residence of the famous gardener William Robinson

Entourage: The teenage buck was spotted leading a large heard of female deer through the estate, once the residence of the famous gardener William Robinson

Amateur photographer Christine Harrigan, who is the first person to capture the deer, was enjoying a weekend at the hotel when she saw the animal.

She said: ‘I went out to have a look at the grounds and I happened to see the stag surrounded by his entourage coming out of the woods. I had never seen anything like it before.’

Alistair Nash, from the Woodland Trust, said: ‘It’s a really great sight to see.

‘This particular deer is still clearly quite young. If he manages to survive and mature over the next few years, he will be a remarkable sight.’

Gardens galore: Gravetye Manor (above) was built by Richard Infield in 1598 for his bride, Katharine Compton. Mr Robinson lived there from 1884 until his death in 1935

Gardens galore: Gravetye Manor (above) was built by Richard Infield in 1598 for his bride, Katharine Compton. Mr Robinson lived there from 1884 until his death in 1935

The hotel was built by Richard Infield in 1598 for his bride, Katharine Compton.

The Infield family were rich land owners from Sussex.

William Robinson bought the hotel 1884 and it was his home until he died 1935.

While at Gravetye Manor William developed the English natural garden – the famous style of gardening that is now admired and copied all over the world.

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We have a few of those here. They are called “ghost deer”, sacred by the Native Americans. We don’t hunt them, let them be the majestic creatures they are, roaming the forests.

I wish I could visit England. The countryside looks so beautiful, and majestic buildings older than the US.

Kerry 22.19 – Too late, my deer(sic), bucks are out of season now and won’t be worth taking till the autumn. Be honest, did you also fall for that load of baloney about The Emperor? I bet you did, didn’t you? Tee hee…

Is the title meant to be subtle humour or is it yet another example of dumbing down?

The reporter’s been on the wine again. What on earth is a heard of dear??

Somebody on DM staff needs a dictionary to look up ‘dear’ and ‘deer’! Could it be that he or she has a Mickey mouse degree?

They Doe do that doe don’t they

earlier we had an article mentioning “sotherby’s”, now we have female “dear”? are you paying peanuts and employing monkeys???????????????????

Oh good. I expect it will be shot by tomorrow, yes? Thank you once again, DM.

“female dear”?? Doe!!
– Dave G, S Wales, 24/4/2012 20:10.Excellent message! And loving the subtle ‘doe’ (‘doh’?)!!

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