Deer make welcome return to Dyrham Park National Trust site

Staff recently welcomed 26 fallow deer back into the historic parkland at Dyrham Park. 

Deer have lived at the site - which is managed by the National Trust - for 300 years.

Bovine tuberculosis was first discovered in the herd in 2007.

Extra fencing was installed to make the estate more secure, badger vaccinations were administered, and cattle were stopped from grazing on the site.

However, the disease became too widespread and in 2021 the herd was eventually culled.

The new deer herd at Dyrham Park - photo by James Dobson (Image: James Dobson / National Trust)

Dyrham Park is surrounded by a 270-acre historic parkland - photo by James Dobson (Image: James Dobson / National Trust)

Observing the deer from a distance as they settle in at Dyrham Park - photo by James Dobson (Image: James Dobson / National Trust)

“Deer belong here"

General manager Tom Boden said: “We are absolutely delighted to share the long-awaited and brilliant news that deer are back at Dyrham Park.  
 
“Deer belong here. They are the very essence of the park, the name 'Dyrham' derives from a Saxon word meaning ‘valley of the deer’, and there’s evidence of their presence here going back hundreds of years. 

“We've been working towards this moment for three years and are thrilled to have deer here again.” 
    
He added: "We know that our visitors will be just as excited as we are to hear this news and understand their desire to catch a glimpse of the new herd. 

“We wanted to close for the shortest time possible to avoid disruption to visitors but primarily so that the deer get used to having people around. 
  
"However, we do urge visitors not to seek out the deer and, if they do come across them, to keep their distance so as not to startle or unsettle them in any way.  

“They are wild animals and it’s important that we give them the time and space they need to get used to their new home and we must respect their need for calm and quiet.” 
  
Measures have been put in place including adapting the deer sanctuary to include more space sheltered by trees, a badger vaccination project, new fencing, deer grids and the installation of specialised water troughs.  
 
A full-time park deer manager has also been recruited to oversee the arrival of the herd and the ongoing good health and welfare of the animals. 
 
Dyrham Park is open daily from 10am to 5pm, with the last entry at 4pm.