Nature Watch, with Ron Freethy

THERE is no finer sight than deer moving gracefully through our fields and into our woodlands.

We have two native species, the roe deer and the red.

In East Lancashire we only have the roe deer but this species has been increasing in numbers and alsmo spreading its range over the last few years.

In the last couple of weeks I have watched roe deer around Brierfield Woods, Towneley Park, Pleasington, Roddlesworth, Bolton-by-Bowland and Chatburn.

Its scientific name is Capreolus capreolus and some think that the roe is our most attractive deer.

I find it difficult to disagree. Its alert behaviour, delicate build and lovely coloration make it very attractive indeed.

The roe is quite small -- only about 60cm to 70cm (24-28ins) at the shoulder. Both sexes are about the same height but the males average about 22.5kgs (55lbs), which is some 4.5kg (10lbs) heavier than the does. The male is known as the buck.

There can be no doubt that the roe deer is a true native of Britain but it has not proved very adaptable to moorland habitats. This means it suffered as our woodlands were destroyed over the centuries. As we plant more trees, especially in areas covered by the Forest of Burnley, they are likely to return. Not all foresters like deer because when there are cold winters the hungry animals chew the bark of trees. Some saplings can be killed when deer chew into the sensitive tissues.

There have not been records of red deer in Lancashire for centuries but we do have a very close relative living in the Ribble Valley. This is the sika deer, which was introduced to Gisburn Park in the 19th century by Lord Ribblesdale. When the deer park was closed some sika began to live in the wild.

There is a herd around Bolton-by-Bowland and there are regular sightings of this attractive species. Deer scientists have been conducting research on sika deer because they are spreading.

Their original habitat is in Asia but they do very well in Britain and there is a great worry that the sika is so closely related to the native red that the species will interbreed.

Because the sika is slightly smaller than the red, it is feared the famous British "Monarch of the Glen" may have its traditional strength diluted.