Deer have returned to Greenwich Park for the first time in four years after their paddock was improved and extended.
Herds of fallow and red deer were moved to Richmond Park in 2021 to allow work to take place as part of the £12 million Greenwich Park Revealed programme, including the construction of a new learning centre.
A new herd of eight fallow deer were released on Wednesday and will be able to roam around a larger area, with new access to woodland.
There has been new wildflower planting, while piles of logs will allow scrub to regenerate so the deer can graze. Overhanging deadwood has also been moved into the paddock so it can become a habitat for invertebrates and fungi. New fencing has also been put up to keep the deer safe and secure.
A specialist vet from the British Deer Society was on hand to see the herd released.
The deer that were taken to Richmond Park have settled there and will not be returning to Greenwich.
Clare Lanes, the park manager, said: “Everyone has missed the deer very much, and we’re excited to welcome them back to Greenwich Park.
“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.
“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.”
Deer are thought to have been introduced to Greenwich Park in the 16th century by Henry VIII, who was born at Greenwich Palace – now the site of the Old Royal Naval College. The deer roamed freely until 1927, and some were said to be so tame they could be fed by hand. However, the increasing motor traffic meant they were moved to their own enclosure in the southeast of the park.
As well as the refurbished paddock and new learning centre, the Greenwich Park Revealed programme has also included recreating the “giant steps” on the hill below the Royal Observatory, building a new viewing area around the Wolfe memorial, and new planting in the rose garden behind Ranger’s House.
Royal Parks, the charity that runs the park, has also built the Ignatius Sancho Café in the southeast corner of the park, next to the deer enclosure. The programme was paid for with lottery money and philanthropic donations.
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