Richmond Park Authorities restrict access at night again as the seasonal deer cull proceeds
From Monday 2nd November for a 6 week period, the largest of Royal Parks in London, will have all its pedestrian accesses closed from 8pm to 7:30am daily, in order for the annual culling of deer. As part of the British Deer Society, The Royal Park deals with the welfare of their wildlife very seriously, and are continuously managed to manage herds at a sustainable size.
This topic has always been controversial, where many are against it stating it is a “ruthless” and “inhumane” action; however the authorities insist that if the animals are not promptly removed, the food sources would comparatively become scarcer for other species around them including their own kind. Moreover this will lead to further malnutrition, death from exposure to winters and spread of disease.
Figures reveal, that an average of 293 deer were culled each year in Richmond Park, excluding the remaining numbers in other eminent parks such as Bushey Park, in the past decade. Furthermore, as part of further reference it’s important to note that there is set to be another cull in Richmond Park during the year, where the males are targeted in February instead of the females who are currently being selected. The Friends of Richmond Park website quote that it’s also “…the reason why Royal Parks’ herds are in excellent condition.” which ultimately, is true.
Whether it is the right procedure to do or not, the future of the deer is in the hands of the authorities who specialise in the importance of culling and so are fully aware of the problems that may persist. With the number of deer being constantly controlled and the park as a whole being fully sustained it can only serve to have positive outcomes of the seasonal culling.
Article by Hayah Taimuri, Nonsuch High School for girls
