It is three years since the roe deer were in the garden. In the severe weather of February/March 2018 there was almost nothing left for them to eat and they were in the garden night after night eating the ivy. The two winters since have been mild and the ivy outside wasn't eaten so I didn't open the gate. Recently I saw the ivy on the other side of the fence was being eaten so I thought I'd try again. I set up two cameras on the gate and the first night the deer came in. First was a doe who very cautiously came just inside the gate but then retreated. Moments later a first winter buck came in. He was also very wary, listening and scenting the air but he did come just inside to eat. Both deer were aware of the cameras but seemed unworried by them.
The mother preferred to eat outside and the young buck didn't come in far. They stayed for about 40 minutes and then disappeared. This is the view from the second camera. The post is 1.27m high so you can see how small he is, only about 50cm at the shoulder
After that I left the gate open for another four nights but the deer didn't return, which was a pity as the cameras were a bit better aimed. The weather has been mild and there is probably enough to eat elsewhere. At least the foxes were pleased that the gate was open as it saved them the effort of jumping over the fence.
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