News / Ashton Court Estate
Deer park closed due to visitors’ ‘inappropriate behaviour’
Part of a treasured estate in west Bristol has been forced to close to the public due to the “inappropriate behaviour” of visitors.
Ashton Court has closed the gates of one of its two deers sanctuaries over concerns of the welfare of the herd of deer that inhabit it.
Bristol City Council, who own the estate, said that the actions of some visitors is causing the deer to become distressed.
is needed now More than ever
Signage attached to the deer park’s gate condemns those walkers straying from designated pathways and entering the deer sanctuary and dogs roaming free without leads.
Ashton Court is home to 850 acres of sprawling woodlands – photo: Betty Woolerton
Sections of the country park next to the Clifton Lodge car park were closed-off during the spring of 2021 to allow its wildlife to recover after record numbers of post-lockdown visitors.
The estate is now asking for walkers in the vicinity of the deer to stay on marked footpaths and avoid feeding the deer. They also ask dogs to remain on leads.
While the closure is temporary, the deer park will only reopen when park rangers are happy that the welfare of the deer has improved.
One Twitter user called the need for the closure “frustrating” and branded those responsible as “selfish”.
Ashton Court responded: “A signage and communications review is underway and we will be improving visitor guidance over the coming year to encourage better behaviour. This should lead to a reduction in temporary closures of the deer parks.”
A spokesperson from Bristol City Council said: “The deer park is temporarily closed due to inappropriate behaviour of some visitors causing the deer to become distressed. It will reopen when the park rangers are content that the welfare of the deer has improved.
“Anyone walking through the deer park must stay on the footpaths and dogs must be kept on a lead at all times. People should not approach or try to feed the deer.”
The deer park will remain closed until further notice.
Main photo by Bristol City Council
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