DOGS ON LEADS NOW COMPULSORY IN BUSHY PARK
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE: Deer birthing season in Richmond Park and Bushy Park
Dogs must be kept on leads in Bushy Park and Richmond Park during the deer-birthing season, which started on May 1, The Royal Parks warned today.
The Royal Parks charity has released a short film reminding people of the vulnerability of does and hinds and their babies during deer birthing season.
The video, filmed in Bushy Park, tells visitors that ‘dogs on leads’ is mandatory from 1 May until the 31 July, to ensure the safety of deer, visitors and their dogs.
Viewers are reminded that mothers are highly protective of their young.
Mothers hide their babies in bracken and long grass to conceal them from dogs and other perceived predators and while deer are instinctively frightened of dogs, mothers will overcome this if they believe their young are at risk.
Phil Edwards, Park Manager, Bushy Park said: “I’ve often heard owners say, ‘but my dog wouldn’t hurt a fly’, yet the truth is that no owner can ever be 100 percent sure how their pet might respond to a frightened deer.
“If a mother feels spooked when she is protecting her babies, even if the dog is at a distance and not acting provocatively, there’s a good chance she will give chase and attack.
“This could quickly escalate to an extremely dangerous situation for anyone nearby, which could be terrifying to witness and could lead to a really awful accident with serious injuries.”
During this sensitive time for the deer, park officials say that the safest option is not to walk your dog in either Richmond Park or Bushy Park.
Owners who choose, at their own risk, to walk their dog in Richmond and Bushy Parks during this season must have their dog on a lead, and for their own safety should also be on high alert for female deer.
Phil adds: “Please respect female deer and give them privacy and space. Avoid long grass and bracken where newly born deer could be concealed and stick to the perimeter of the park in case they need to escape.
“Please never handle new-born deer, under any circumstances. If you spot a young deer on its own, please rest assured that its mother will be grazing nearby and will return to her new-born soon.
“It might feel helpful to attend to a new-born if it seems to have been abandoned, but sadly any contact could do a lot of harm. Mothers have been known to reject their new offspring if they’ve detected a human scent.”
The Royal Parks charity is currently creating a dedicated deer sanctuary in Bushy Park, within the Warren Plantation, which will be completed by autumn 2025. The sanctuary will provide a quiet refuge for deer and to support a thriving ecosystem.
New canopy trees will be planted to provide shade and shelter for the deer and to improve the park’s biodiversity.
The enhanced tree cover will also support birds, insects, and small mammals, improve soil health, and contribute to a richer, more diverse ecosystem. In order to protect the deer, this space will not be accessible to visitor or their pets.
The Friends of Bushy and Home Parks also the following advice:
“The birthing season is upon us again, and the Royal Parks as well as Historic Royal Palaces have issued press releases to announce the compulsory requirement for all dogs to be on leads at all times in the parks between 1 May and 31 July 2025.
“The danger to dogs, deer and people is backed up by evidence. Female deer are very protective of their young. Regardless of size, breed or intention of a dog, it will be seen as a threat. If you see or feel the piercing stare of one or more females, walk away, as you may be unwittingly encroaching on their young.”
Advice to dog walkers
- It is compulsory to keep your dog on a lead at all times, and in all areas of the parks, from 1 May until 31 July.
- Avoid the areas shaded in orange on the maps. These are typically areas of long grass and bracken where new-born deer could be concealed.
- If a deer charges, let the dog off the lead so it can run away and doesn’t get hurt.
- Consider walking your dog elsewhere.
Advice to all park visitors
- Give deer plenty of space. Always keep at least 50 metres away.
- Avoid deer nursery areas where possible. Give female deer privacy and respect.
- If you spot a lone female deer on high alert please consider retracing your steps and giving it a wide berth. Its young could be concealed nearby.
- Never touch or handle a new-born deer under any circumstances, even if it’s on its own. It is not abandoned, and its mother will be grazing nearby.