Since 2021, there has been no deer roaming in Greenwich Park due to a four-year long renovation of their paddock. The previous herds of fallow and red deer were relocated to Richmond Park whilst the renovation was taking place.
Earlier this May, Greenwich Park has once again welcomed deer to its grounds. A small herd of eight fallow deer were reintroduced, possible due to a habitat improvement and an extended deer paddock. This will provide the animals with better access to nearby woodlands, alongside enhanced wildflower planting.
This renovation coincided with the construction of new community facilities, such as the new Greenwich Park Learning Centre.
We spoke to Clare Lanes, Park Manager of Greenwich Park, to see how the deers are getting on in their new home. She said: “The deer have been back for one month now and are settling in really well. They are keeping to themselves as they get used to their new environment which is why they might be harder to spot for the first few months. We check on them daily are very pleased to have them back in the park!”
If you would like to spot the deer, there are two viewing areas in the Flower Garden, which is located on the East side of the park, adjacent to Maze Hill.
Some of the deers are pregnant, which contributes to them being a bit harder to see at this time of year as birthing season is coming up.
However, some visitors have begun spotting the deer already, with Julie Rabbage sharing some pictures she took whilst visiting a friend in London earlier in the month.
The relocation and introduction were carried out under the guidance of a specialist deer vet from the British Deer Society, who holds legal authority for such work issued by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
Clare said “Over the past three years, we’ve been able to enhance the natural environment of the deer paddock, ensuring they have a rich, biodiverse habitat to return to.
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“At first, the deer may keep away from the viewing areas as they get used to and settle into their new environment. Once they become more comfortable, they will explore more of the space.”
The project was funded by the Royal Parks Charity, who manage London’s eight Royal Parks, alongside a £4.5 million grant from the Parks for People Programme, joint financed by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and The National Lottery Community Fund.
Visitors of Greenwich Park can now enjoy the return of one of London’s treasured traditions, with a renewed focus on conservation and protection.
Do you want to visit Greenwich Park to see the deer?
Location: Flower Garden, Greenwich Park, London SE10 8XH
The park team ask visitors to enjoy observing the beautiful animals in the deer park without disturbing or interacting with them.
