11 Oct 2002 - 01 Jan 2003
The Secret Life of Deer Unveiled
Greenwich Park

Rt Hon Nick Raynsford MP today opened the Greenwich Park Secret Garden Wildlife Centre. The centre, including a deer hide, has been built by The Royal Parks to let schoolchildren and other groups get unbelievable close up views of wild Red & Fallow deer that live in Greenwich Park.

Inside the hide there will be a viewing room, looking out onto part of the deer's area, and an activity room. Here the children can learn about the deer and the other wildlife, such as birds and insects, as well work on fun projects such as making deer masks.

Mr Raynsford, Minister for Local Government and the Regions said, "This is an extremely imaginative conversion of previously underused buildings. The hide will enable local people, and in particular, children to watch the behaviour of Greenwich Park's deer population as well as offering them the opportunity to learn a little more about them. This is another exciting development which will I hope encourage more visitors into Greenwich Park."

Derrick Spurr, Park Manager said, "Not many people know that there are deer in Greenwich Park but now we have created a wonderful way for children and adults to watch and learn about these beautiful animals without disturbing them. With a lot of hard work from our own staff and the support of groups such as the Greenwich School of Management and the Friends of Greenwich Park, we've created a fantastic educational opportunity for the local community."

Elaine Warrell of the Friends of Greenwich Park said, "We are delighted that we have been able to help bring this hide into existence. Both Derrick Spurr and Stuart Goldsworthy of the park management deserve to be recognised for their effort and vision in helping local youngsters witness and learn about the natural world that exists virtually on their doorstep."

William Hunt, Principal of Greenwich School of Management, said, "It is only fitting that as the oldest independent business school in London we are contributing to the oldest of the Royal Parks. Our staff and students have always been attached to the wonderful environment of the Park and this is a great opportunity for all concerned to contribute to the education of children who will, after all, be the students and park visitors of tomorrow."

Greenwich is the oldest of the eight Royal Parks and was first enclosed in 1433 as a deer park, where the king could hunt. Over time the deer have had to be moved away from the more popular areas of the park until they were effectively hidden from sight. The new hide has been constructed from disused buildings and has one-way glass that will let visitors see the deer without being seen in turn. The work has also doubled the size of the area set aside for the deer.

Greenwich School of Management and the Friends of Greenwich Park both contributed funds and equipment to the new hide, helping with the construction and providing items such as binoculars, microscopes and books.

Source:
The Royal Parks

For further information contact:
The Royal Parks Press Office T: 020 7298 2128 E: press@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk

Editor's notes:
Millions of Londoners and tourists visit the eight Royal Parks for free each year. The 5,000 acres of carefully preserved historic parkland provide unparalleled opportunities for enjoyment, exploration and healthy living in the heart of the capital.

The Royal Parks are: Bushy Park, Green Park, Greenwich Park, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Regent's Park (with Primrose Hill), Richmond Park and St James's Park.