Councillor Jonathan McShane, Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care and Culture said: “We know that everyone has the welfare of the animals in Clissold Park at heart.

As the £8.9 million transformation of nears completion the animals are getting ready to move into their new and improved homes. We have been working very closely with our veterinary consultant, Peter Green, who visited just last week. He is confident that the new deer enclosure will provide a very good home that compares favourably with other small deer enclosures known to him in UK urban parks. I’m sure that the new aviary, butterfly dome and deer enclosure will soon be enjoyed by local people and their children for years to come.”

Background
New arrangements have been put in place for both husbandry and veterinary supervision.
The provision of food for the deer has been revised.
Proposals for regular coppicing of the canal bank plantings to provide natural browsing have been accepted.
There will be a low stocking density.
The fence is designed to be secure from both dogs and vandals and we have designed a specific permanent deer refuge, which will enable the deer to escape the public gaze.

The council’s parks staff and the contractors are carrying even more regular checks of the fencing to ensure it is secure. At night we have patrols around the enclosure as an added security measure.