Beyond being a superb natural park, Knole (Sevenoaks, Kent, UK) is home to a 350-strong deer herd, who roam freely in their 1000+ acre natural habitat.

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Deer in Knole Park, Sevenoaks, UK

Being used to human company, they are relatively easy to approach.

Stag in Knole Park, Sevenoaks, UK

When the sun goes down, the old stones glow...

Knole, Sevenoaks, UK

... and the gargoyles seem to come to life! 

Knole - Sevenoaks - UK   Knole - Sevenoaks - UK

Autumn is the deers' mating season - the rut.
As expressed by the person who takes care of them in the park, "antlers and egos are fully grown and testosterone runs high".

Stag in Knole Park, Sevenoaks, UK

The strongest males take the high ground...

Stag in Knole Park, Sevenoaks, UK

... and as night starts falling, the bucks make their characteristic deep, haunting guttural call... Deers in Knole Park, Sevenoaks, UK

... and soon the scene gets a lot more lively.

Knole Park, Sevenoaks, UK

Deers in Knole Park, UK

But it's almost the end of the rut season, and tonight, cohabitation seems relatively peaceful.

Deers in Knole Park, Sevenoaks, UK

More to come, stay tuned!