Projects at FoHMP

Muntjac deer have been around for longer than 15 million years, yet are not native to the UK and were introduced from China in the early 20th Century.

 

They originally escaped from Woburn Park and are very common in southern England where, mostly, the remaining animals have escaped from private land and are usually found in parks, woodland and scrubland.

 

Classified as an invasive species, they have no natural enemies which is why they have increased in numbers, and it is illegal to breed or sell them.

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We have identified two distinct deer in our Copse, 1 male and 1 female, the male having the horns. 

 

We have not yet seen a younger deer but hopefully one day we might see them as a family unit if indeed they are one!

 

Muntjac are herbivores, and love to eat shrubs and fungi and, unfortunately, fruit where a well-stocked larder next door on the allotments is a perfect place for all their favourite food.!

 

We are working on improving the condition of the Copse fences to keep them inside, but they are also occasionally found in the park alongside the Yeading Brook.