Families visiting Richmond Park in west London have been observed attempting to stroke and feed the park's wild deer, leading to an urgent safety warning from the Royal Parks. The concerning behaviour, captured in recent footage, shows adults encouraging young children to approach the animals, despite repeated advice on maintaining a safe distance.
Photographer Amanda Boardman, who shared footage of the incidents, described witnessing adults 'thrusting their tiny children towards a group of young bucks with antlers', noting she had 'never seen it this bad'. Paul Richards, park manager at the Royal Parks, expressed his team's shock and extreme concern over the clip, highlighting the significant risks involved. He emphasised that such 'deeply irresponsible and highly dangerous behaviour' not only stresses the deer but also creates a serious risk of tragic accidents, potentially resulting in life-changing injuries or even fatalities.
Richmond Park's red and fallow deer are powerful, wild animals, with stags capable of weighing over 159kg and running at speeds up to 48km/h. Despite their calm appearance, they can react suddenly and aggressively if they feel threatened. The Royal Parks strongly advise the public never to approach or interact with the deer, urging visitors to stay at least 50 metres away, or further if the animals are moving. This includes refraining from approaching them for photographs or selfies.
Boardman also reported other rule-breaking activities on the day she filmed, including cyclists riding through protected skylark nesting areas and individuals feeding the deer. She voiced sympathy for the Royal Parks charity team, who face increased pressure during the summer months to protect wildlife and manage a surge in visitors, many of whom seem unaware of the 50-metre rule.
The photographer called for the reinstatement of the Royal Parks Police, which was disbanded in November 2025 following budget cuts. A spokesperson for the Mayor of London confirmed that policing for the Royal Parks is now managed by local neighbourhood ward officers. This change followed a significant investment of £1.26 billion into the Metropolitan Police, which reportedly reduced the extent of planned cuts to the force. The spokesperson added that these ward officers are 'visible, accessible and work proactively with local communities'.