London's baby deer protected by extra volunteers

During birthing season, about 300 deer will be born across Richmond Park and Bushy Park

The Royal Parks charity in London has almost doubled its number of volunteer rangers in Richmond and Bushy parks ahead of deer-birthing season.

The charity said it was needed "to ensure the safety of both deer and park visitors" in May, June and July.

It comes just weeks after police were alerted to people attempting to remove antlers from deer in Richmond Park.

Volunteers will be ensuring dogs are kept on leads at all times.

Anne Scoggins and Jignesh Jani are among the volunteer rangers at Bushy Park

The Royal Parks charity said dog-walkers who chose to enter the parks during birthing season do so at their own risk.

It said that dog owners "should be on high alert for female deer, avoid areas of long grass and bracken where newborn deer could be concealed, and stick to the perimeter of the park in case they need to escape quickly."

Following a recent recruitment campaign, the number of volunteer rangers has nearly doubled to more than 200.

The charity says dogs are not always controlled by owners around the wild deer.

It says the safest option is to not to walk a dog in either Richmond Park or Bushy Park during the birthing season.

During the season, it is expected about 300 deer will be born across Richmond Park and Bushy Park.

Visitors to Richmond Park and Bushy Park are being advised to keep a distance of at least 50m from deer

Information for visitors

• It is compulsory to keep dogs on a lead in all areas of the parks, from 1 May to 31 July

• Avoid areas of long grass and bracken where newborn deer could be concealed

• If a deer charges, let your dog off the lead so it can run away without getting hurt

• Give deer plenty of space. Always keep at least 50m away

• Never touch or handle a newborn deer under any circumstances

Park manager for Bushy Park Phil Edwards said: “We rely on the public's assistance, especially dog owners, to keep themselves safe, and to avoid tragic incidents such as the recent mauling and death of a young deer in Bushy Park.

“A second incident in which a whippet chased around 30 fallow deer caused huge stress to the herd.

"This could have resulted in deer charging at visitors and causing serious injuries or worse."

Anne Scoggins, who is a volunteer ranger, said: “Our role is to educate, to be kind and to keep people and their dogs safe while protecting the wildlife."