Deer take a dip to cool down as temperatures soar in Norfolk

Hinds and their calves at Snettisham Park took to a pond as thermometers hit 30C on Friday afternoon.

Red deer swim in a pond at Snettisham (Image: Chris Bishop)

The farm's 50-strong herd of red deer, descended from Scottish stock, are strong swimmers.

Even young calves a few weeks old took the plunge with their mums.

Deer decide the heat is all too much and take to a pond to cool down (Image: Chris Bishop)

Manager Trevor Walters said so far around 25 young have been born at the farm. They include a rare pair of twins.

New arrivals are hidden in the long grass by their mothers until they are strong enough to walk and run.

A newly-born calf hides in the grass where it has been concealed by its mother (Image: Chris Bishop)

While the females and their young were out enjoying the summer weather in their pasture, the herd's three stags were staying in the shade.

Some 20,000 people a year visit the farm for its famed deer safaris.

Wait for me... A calf (right) paddles furiously to keep up with its mum and another hind (Image: Chris Bishop)

A young red deer calf at Snettisham Park (Image: Chris Bishop)

Some of the red deer herd at Snettisham Park - members of which are partial to a swim (Image: Chris Bishop)

A young red deer calf at Snettisham Park (Image: Chris Bishop)