Deer on Fountains Abbey- Michael Ridsdale

Roy Patey of the Rotary Club of The Pantiles, Royal Tunbridge Wells joined Club members to hear an illustrated presentation by Michael Ridesdale with the theme of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal. through the times of the 900 acres of the Cistercian Abbey of 1131 through the acquision in 1983 by the National Trust of the Studley Estate of 18000 acres,to the present.  The aerial views of the National Trust land showed parts of the property members felt they had not visited but vowed to explore when next they visit.  Around 160 people (mostly local) are employed on the site that makes a significant contribution to the local economy.  The Deer Park has a herd of some 650 deer, Red, Fallow and Manchurian Sika in the two Deer Parks.