BUSHY PARK GATES LOCKED FOR DEER CULL
The annual deer culls at Bushy Park will be taking place from Monday 2 September 2024 for approximately 6 weeks and again, from Monday 4 November for approximately 6 weeks.
During this time, the vehicle gates to the park will be locked at 7pm and the pedestrian gates at 10:30pm Sunday to Thursday.
All gates will be unlocked from 8am Monday to Friday. Vehicle and pedestrian gates are open as normal on Saturday and Sunday.
“Public safety during the deer cull is a key priority. The park’s delayed opening ensures that all necessary safety measures and environmental checks are thoroughly completed before visitors arrive.
“As a member of the British Deer Society, The Royal Parks is committed to deer welfare and actively manages the deer population to maintain a sustainable herd size and prevent overcrowding.
“This precautionary approach helps provide a secure environment for both the public and wildlife, ensuring that all aspects of deer welfare are monitored and addressed.”
The cull is always a controversial issue but The Royal Parks says it is the best way to manage the deer population.
The Royal Parks said: “If the herd size was not managed food would become scarce, and more animals would ultimately suffer.
“Without population control there would be other welfare issues such as low body fat, malnutrition and high incidence of death from exposure to cold in winter. Attempting to maintain too many deer within a restricted park area would soon lead to a build-up of parasites and other pathogens causing disease in the deer.
“It’s important to understand that we only undertake humane culling for deer welfare reasons and not as a way to make money. Money raised from the sale of venison goes towards the cost of deer feed and the Wildlife Officers we employ to look after the deer.
“The Royal Parks make no profit from keeping herds of deer in Richmond and Bushy Parks. ”
