Bushy Park’s Annual Deer Cull: Imperative or Immoral? (Anna Hill – Tiffin Girls’ School)

At the beginning of Autumn each year, the deer population of Bushy Park undergoes its annual cull. Bushy Park is a well known local landmark, where herds of deer can be seen roaming around throughout the year. As long as they are not aggravated by humans, these animals are harmless, which begs the question – why are we killing on average 90 of these creatures every single year?

Upon hearing that almost one hundred deer are killed annually, you might expect animal activists to take a stand. It appears impossible that this seemingly senseless massacre is happening right on our doorsteps, in a place where countless sports activities take place, and families go for days out. In addition, the Royal Parks made £55,000 profit from the cull in 2017, causing further outrage. In truth, there have been protests in the park, and in September 2020 protesters chained themselves to the park gates in protest against the Royal Park’s cull.

Why then is this allowed to continue? The Royal Parks maintain that this cull is necessary for the herds to continue living in the park, and not doing so puts the deer and other wildlife at risk. Herds of deer must remain at a sustainable size, otherwise resources like food become too scarce, causing low body fat, malnutrition and deaths due to exposure in winter. Furthermore, too many deer in a small space like the park causes the rise of parasites and other pathogens, resulting in disease. 

The deer are killed in a humane manner, and sold to licensed game dealers. The profit of the cull is reinvested into the maintenance of the herds in Bushy Park, benefitting the remaining deer. Culls like this happen all over the world, and are fully endorsed by the British Deer Society and the Deer Initiative of England and Wales.

So, what first appears a cruel practice is in fact necessary maintenance for Britain’s parks, ensuring our deer remain happy and healthy for many years to come.