This deer thrives in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland and in parts of England such as Westmorland, Devon, Somerset, Wiltshire and the New Forest.

The UK's red deer population doubled in the 50 years leading up to 2018, with more than half of those animals found in Scotland.

The rising population has sparked significant debate surrounding management, with proponents of culls citing the damage caused to forests and rare plants.

[4] Research by the Forestry Commission in 2014 stated that rising deer populations pose the biggest threat to Scotland's native ancient woodlands.

[5] In November 2019 it was revealed that a 45-year study indicated that climate change had affected the gene pool of the red deer population on Rùm, one of the Inner Hebrides islands, Scotland.