IT'S not something residents in Hampshire see every day while relaxing in their back gardens.

But according to countryside rangers it's a sight becoming more and more common to city dwellers across the county.

These two roe deer, pictured above, were spotted enjoying the sunshine in Newtown Road, Warsash.

One of them was captured leaping over a garden wall, while its playmate frolicked in a patch of long grass under the midday sun.

Rangers believe deer and other wildlife are being forced into more urban settings because countryside areas are becoming harder for them to access.

Fareham Borough Council ranger Mark Trigwell says sightings of deer in small villages like Warsash are fairly common now, particularly early in the morning.

He said: "It's not really a rare sight now. You do occasionally get them in urban conurbation's because they are forced into a situation where they are more exposed.

"They prefer cover of some sort but with the road networks as they are, they will quite often come across homes on their travels."

Resident Geoff Harvey, who took our picture, added: "They, or some close relatives, were in my garden a few years ago.

"These two came down Newtown Road at 11.20am. They went into my neighbours' garden where I was lucky enough to catch them on camera."

The pair would have particularly enjoyed fresh garden grass following the recent rain.

Herds of roe deer are known to roam around in the Solent area although none live regularly in Warsash.

These two would have been part of a group moving from one site to another to find food.