Pheasants are often thought to have been introduced by the Romans (its true home is Asia), but the first definite record dates to a few years before the Norman Conquest in 1059 AD. Now, every year, gamekeepers release thousands of reared pheasants into woods and lowland fields in preparation for the shooting season. Survivors have gone on to ensure that this bird is also well established as a wild breeding species in copses, heaths and commons.

It is amazing to watch gaily coloured male pheasants with their iridescent coppery-coloured body and green and purple heads disappear into coarse vegetation. This must be classed as one of nature's truly incredible vanishing acts.