Tune into Winterwatch next week, where we meet a group of urban deer in a surprising setting. Live from Tuesday 29 January, BBC Two.
In an increasingly urban world, our encounters with wildlife can strengthen our connection with nature
Friend or foe, the UK deer population is growing and is extending into our towns and cities.
Thought to be more abundant now than at any time in the past 1,000 years, more and more of us are seeing them where we live. As their population grows and urban development encroaches on their natural habitat, it's hardly surprising that we overlap.
For garden owners they can be a destructive force to be reckoned with, for others a lovely addition to the lawn. A stroll in the park affords the amateur photographer an opportunity to get some beautiful shots, whilst others can snap happy from the pavement.
Whilst roe and red deer are our only truly native species, fallow, sika and muntjac are adapting well to towns and gardens, benefiting from the plentiful food source.
Let us know what you think about deer in our towns in the comments below, and please post any photos or videos on this topic to Facebook, Twitter or Flickr.
Tower blocks provide an urban backdrop for these battling red deer in Richmond Park. Image by Bartek Olszewski
A lone stag outlined against the backdrop of Roehampton. Image by Richard Fisher
This year the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) are instigating a plant list with the aim to deter deer from browsing on flowers, foliage and tree bark. By producing a list of plants resistant to attack from wild animals, the RHS hope to work with gardeners to create healthy gardens whilst still enabling people to enjoy seeing the deer.
Muntjac deer are regularly seen in our gardens, showing the importance of this type of habitat. This Cambridge garden plays host to more than one individual. Image by Charles Pilgrim
A muntjac deer spotted on the streets of Colchester, Essex - Image by Nikki Crow
Pastures new - our native red deer seen in Burntwood, Staffordshire. Image by Matthew Field
London fields: Lee Borham photographed these deer munching amongst the daffodils
