Richmond Park

[Ukwildlifeo]

Im off to Richmond Park tommorow to hopefully take some photos of deer, which I hear I relatively tame and whatever wildlife I see. Anyone been? And got any tips?

[wetlands_wedge]

Hiya UK!

Please, please,please be careful. The deer are rutting at the moment and can be very dangerous. It is true that they can be quite tame at times, even taking bread from some peoples hands. If you have good lenses or are digiscoping you should not have any trouble but still keep a wary eye about you!
If you are going by car take the time to drive around the park first; you can see 'where the action is' and park a little nearer.
Try to keep trees / shrubs etc behind you and stay upwind. Might be an idea to take a flask of coffee or tea as it gets quite cold out in the open!
I hope that you have a fabulous day.

[Ukwildlifeo]

Thanks for the advice but I was well aware of the possible dangers. Plus being a royal park in a well of area they had the money to put up warning signs everywhere. Unfortunately that didnt stop the horse riders charging through a herd Id just spent a goo 20mins making sure I didnt disturb or most the dog owners ut leads on their dogs.

I basically used the 12x zzoom on my Fz7 alot nad stopped the moment the deer showed any signs (other than looking at me) of being distubed. There was no rutting occuring and only one male call thou

[DuncanE]

I was there 2-3weeks back, mainly around Richmond gate. there were many heards about and lots of roaring matches. one resulting in one male loosing all his females - about 15 of them I think. Probalby what happens when 2 herds get together. I Spent about 3 hours there with my wife and sister, we were only meant to be there for about an hour, 90 mins tops.

Even though they were rutting.... well roaring and sometimes I would be between 2 males (only through staying in one spot and they circuilate around you) but nothing really kicked off and I felt relatively safe. People were all over the place and sometimes although unintentionally within 5m or so of the odd herd.

(see my deer pics thread for 2 of the pics )

[wetlands_wedge]

Originally Posted by Ukwildlifeo

Thanks for the advice but I was well aware of the possible dangers. Plus being a royal park in a well of area they had the money to put up warning signs everywhere. Unfortunately that didnt stop the horse riders charging through a herd Id just spent a goo 20mins making sure I didnt disturb or most the dog owners ut leads on their dogs.

I basically used the 12x zzoom on my Fz7 alot nad stopped the moment the deer showed any signs (other than looking at me) of being distubed. There was no rutting occuring and only one male call thou

I've just read your report on the day out ... most enjoyable! I must get up there shortly, I love to get there just as it is getting light when misty and frosty!

Glad you had a good time!

Reg

[Phillippa]

I'm not sure that the 'rutting deer' are nearly quite as dangerous as the cyclists travelling at top speed round the perimeter of the park

[WesDonze]

If you go at the end of April as well as the deer try Isabella Plantation where there is a superb display of rhodo's and azaleas

[tufftie]

Originally Posted by WesDonze

If you go at the end of April as well as the deer try Isabella Plantation where there is a superb display of rhodo's and azaleas

It's lovely in there - I used to get taken as a nipper! Lovely streams to jump over or fall in! Good for birds too.

[koltregaskes]

I've been to Richmond Park once about a year ago. I didn't venture too far, basically walked from the south gate down to the north gate (sorry not sure of the names). I would love to go back but where exactly is the best place to see the wildlife and is it just deer on show? I'm keen to practice my wildlife photography. :-)

Kol

[Paul mabbott]

The deer are practicaly tame so not of much interest.
There are some very interesting insects in the deeper, wooded parts of the Park but, as always with invertebrates, you just have to search. Just try to get away from people!

Attempts are being made to make some parts virtually impenetrable - or at least enough to deter horses, cyclists, dogs, children, ... that is to keep them pretty undisturbed which will benefit all wildlife; thge edges of these should be interesting.