The annual November deer cull in Richmond Park begins next month.

It will take place over six weeks from Monday, November 2.

Notices have been placed in the park saying that the pedestrian gates will be closed from 8pm and 7.30am during this time.

Normally, the pedestrian gates to the park are open 24/7.

Around 80-130 deer are culled in the park every November and February.

Royal Parks, which runs the park, says scarcity of food and disease are two key reasons why they need to keep populations under control.

The charity says: "As a member of the British Deer Society, The Royal Parks takes deer welfare very seriously. Deer populations are actively managed to keep herds at a sustainable size.

"If animals were not removed, food would become scarce and more animals would ultimately suffer.

"Without population control there would be other welfare issues such as low body fat, malnutrition and high incidence of death from exposure to cold in winter.

"Attempting to maintain too many deer within a restricted park area would soon lead to a build-up of parasites and other pathogens causing disease in the deer.

"The British Deer Society and the Deer Initiative of England and Wales fully endorse humane culling as best practice in deer herd management and The Royal Parks is an expert manager of enclosed wild deer herds.

"The deer in the Royal Parks are under veterinary supervision and all aspects of their welfare are monitored regularly."

Rutting season is ongoing in the park and visitors are advised to keep 50m away from the wild animals who live there.

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