It is believed that pheasants were introduced into the UK in Norman times and there are few populations of wild birds to be seen as the vast majority are bred in captivity. Regions, where wild pheasants can still be spotted, are isolated areas of north east, central and southern England, Kent and some Scottish lowlands. Pheasants prefer open countryside adjacent to woodland fringes, hedgerows, arable land and small woods. It is likely that many sightings of pheasants are of those released or escaped captively bred specimens.