Visitors to Bushy Park have been warned that gate opening times are different this month as the park begins its annual deer cull.

Yellow signs have been placed around the park warning of danger due to firearms being used in the controlled deer cull.

From the start of September and for a period of six weeks, and again from the start of November, gate times will be different to normal.

Vehicle gates will close at 7pm, pedestrian gates will close at 10.30pm, all gates will reopen at 8am every day, and normal gate times will apply on the weekends.

The annual cull is organised by The Royal Parks and is important in maintaining the health of the deer population.

Bushy Park is home to around 320 red and fallow deer, which have roamed the park since the days of Henry VIII.

However, the herd must be managed to protect the animals and their environment.

According to The Royal Parks, without an annual cull, the deer would face an increased risk of starvation, disease, and malnutrition.

There are no approved contraceptive methods for managing wild deer in the UK, which means culling is the only humane option.

The organisation highlights that the cull is to ensure the wellbeing of the animals, not for profit.

Any income from the sale of venison helps to fund deer feed and Wildlife Officers.

Culling is supported by both the British Deer Society and the Deer Initiative as the most effective way of managing enclosed populations.