Richmond Park deer feeding banned after stag attacks risk warning

Visitors to Richmond Park have been told to stay at least 50 metres away from deer after videos emerged of people feeding and touching the animals. Royal Parks issued the warning, calling the behaviour "highly dangerous" and illegal. The park covers 2,500 acres and is home to herds of wild deer, including red stags.

A spokesperson for Royal Parks said the animals are not pets and can become aggressive if they associate humans with food. "Once deer learn to approach visitors for food, they will pester them," the spokesperson said, as reported by MyLondon. The organisation urged anyone witnessing unsafe behaviour to report it to police.

Specialist policing unit disbanded

The Metropolitan Police disbanded the Royal Parks Police unit in 2025 as part of budget cuts. The decision followed a £260 million shortfall in the force’s funding. Responsibility for policing Richmond Park now falls to local officers, who Richmond Council said are already stretched.

Richmond Council Leader Gareth Roberts criticised the move, telling the Local Democracy Reporting Service it would leave parks more vulnerable. "At a time when residents are already concerned about the visibility of policing, this decision will do nothing to reassure them," he said. Roberts added that overstretched local officers lack the specialist training needed for large open spaces.

What happens next

Royal Parks said it will continue to monitor visitor behaviour through staff and volunteers, but cannot cover the entire 2,500-acre site. Signs warning against feeding deer are displayed across the park. The Metropolitan Police has not announced any plans to reinstate the Royal Parks Police unit.