A small herd of these animals were captured on camera as they grazed along Smithills Moor.
Spotted by early-morning walker Carl Abbott, the group, seen on February 12, included several does, and some had tiny antlers just beginning to grow, suggesting the presence of young males within the herd.
A small herd of fallow deer spotted grazing on Smithills Moor (Image: Carl Abbott)
Mr Abbott captured several photographs of the sight to share with others and described his encounter as “just a beautiful encounter”.
The images depict the deer standing among winter grass, their eyes locked on the camera.
Some of the deer had tiny antlers just beginning to grow during the early morning sighting (Image: Carl Abbott)
The distinctive white rumps, each marked by a black horseshoe outline, were clearly visible.
Fallow deer are one of the UK’s most familiar deer species, easily recognised by their spotted coats.
Fallow deer photographed among the winter grass at Smithills Moor (Image: Carl Abbott)
However, they are far more common in southern and central England than in the North West, according to the Woodland Trust, making sightings around Bolton a special occasion for local wildlife enthusiasts.
The species is often associated with historic deer parks and estates, where they were first introduced and kept for hunting.
Over time, populations have spread and established themselves in pockets of the countryside.
Fallow deer vary in colour, ranging from the classic tan with white spots to darker brown and even black, as well as a much paler, almost white coat.