London deer survey

We are seeking your support by taking part in our London Deer Survey.

We need you to tell us when and where you see deer in the capital, and ideally (but not strictly needed) what species they are and how many you've seen. This helps us to understand their distribution, determine likely population trends, and help shape future management strategies; your contribution to this work would be highly appreciated.

There are two options for participating:

1) If you are going for a walk, and you spot some wild deer or signs of wild deer (footprints, droppings, etc.), at any time of the year, you can let us know.

If you cannot identify the type of deer, you can still send us a record. If you don’t see any evidence of deer on a site, you can also report it. Every record, positive or negative, is very valuable! 

Please don’t let us know about the deer in Richmond Park or Bushy Park; these are well-monitored herds, and we have plenty of information about them already.

Volunteer profile

• Anyone who has the means to visit a natural green space, preferably woodland.
• No previous survey experience is required.
• No need to go off-path.

Take part in the London deer survey, option 1

2) There are a number of sites that need to be surveyed more thoroughly for deer and we are looking for volunteers to help us. You don't need previous experience as we will provide everything you need in our survey pack. But you will need time available to visit some sites at dusk or dawn.

Volunteer profile

• Time available to visit at least one site, of a list of available sites, at dusk or dawn.
• No previous experience is needed, but training will be required.
• Capacity to walk off-path.
• Some travel expenses can be covered.

Take part in the London deer survey, option 2

London Wildlife Trust is working with a number of partners to develop a Deer Strategy for London. It will involve getting a deeper insight into the distribution and abundance of wild deer around Greater London, and their current and likely impacts on woodlands and other greenspaces.

We will be carrying out surveys for deer over 2022 and 2023, and the strategy will be published soon.

There are seven species of deer in Britain. Red and roe are native species. Fallow deer were introduced with the Normans in Medieaval times. Sika, Chinese water deer and muntjac were originally introduced from eastern Asia into enclosed deer parks within the last 150 years, and subsequently escaped. Reindeer, once native, became extinct in the 12th century, but reintroduced to the Cairngorms in Scotland in 1952.

All stags (males) grow and shed antlers annually except Chinese water deer which have tusks. Sometimes female deer (except Chinese water deer) can have small bumps on their heads.

Wild deer are most likely to be seen in London's outer fringes. There are regular sightings in the woods and parklands of the London boroughs of Barnet, Bromley, Croydon, Enfield, Harrow, Havering, Hillingdon, Redbridge and Waltham Forest. Some deer have even been reported at Sydenham Hill Wood, Tooting Bec Common and Finsbury Park.

Most prefer to live in woodland where there is significant cover, while muntjac can sometimes be seen in gardens. But many species use farm land, allotments, golf courses, London's parks and railway banks during the hours of darkness.

Chinese water deer, not yet recorded in London, are generally more selective and favour wetter habitats such as reedbeds.

Deer are active through the day and night although the smaller species (roe, muntjac) are more likely to be nocturnal.  But they will leave traces that reveal their presence, for example footprints in mud, droppings, fur caught in barbed wire, and the characteristic ‘browse line’ in woodlands or fields with old trees.