A small number of deer have arrived in Greenwich Park for the first time in 4 years. It marks a return for the animals and a reintroduction of the wildlife, following extensive restorations of the popular parklands.
Back in 2021, ahead of restoration works – including restoring the acid grassland in the deer park – Greenwich Park’s fallow and red deer were relocated to Richmond Park. This was to prevent any disturbance to the animals while the work took place. Those original deer have since settled in the area, and will remain there to diversify the gene pool.
The 8 new fallow deer that have arrived in Greenwich Park are a new herd that will be able to enjoy the rejuvenated space. As well as the dedicated space, the deer also have access to nearby woodland. In a Facebook post sharing a video of the newly arrived deer, Greenwich Park stated:
“The improved, larger paddock provides the deer with new access to nearby woodland, and the natural habitat has been enhanced with wildflower planting to support wildlife, including birds and pollinators.”
Video: Greenwich Park, via FB
Visitors to the park might not spot the new animals just yet, though, as they settle into their new environment. After a few weeks, it’s expected that they may start to explore a bit more, making animal sightings more likely. The post accompanying the video explained:
“The deer will be settling in over the next few weeks and therefore unlikely to be very visible – give them time and I’m sure you’ll spot them soon!”
Greenwich Park restoration
The return of the deer is one of the final phases in the Royal Parks’ ‘Greenwich Park Revealed’ restoration of the popular south-east parklands. Restoration works have been ongoing since 2021 and are now finishing up. Other additions and works have included the creation of a wildlife pond, tree planting, improved accessibility, new learning trails, and community facilities.
Read more about the ‘Greenwich Park Revealed’ works here.