Wildlife in Bushy Park

Nature and wildlife of Bushy Park

Historic herds of free-roaming deer. Herons and kingfishers fishing in woodland pools. Harebells in springtime. Mistletoe at Christmas. A wildlife haven on the outskirts of London.

Bushy Park – a unique mix of natural habitats

At just over 1,000 acres, Bushy Park is the second largest of London’s Royal Parks. It has a rich range of habitats – from woodland, wetland and ancient trees to acid grassland – a rare habitat and a conservation priority. Bushy Park is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Its name dates back to the 17th century, when hawthorn bushes were planted to protect the oak tree saplings destined to provide timber for the navy.

Acid grassland is a fragile environment of critical importance. Bushy Park teems with grasshoppers, spiders, butterflies and hedgehogs, and is home to many species of beetle, including the deadwood-loving stag beetle. Many native wildflowers and fine grasses thrive in acid grassland, including sheep's sorrel, mouse-eared hawkweed, and heath bedstraw. In spring, you’ll see delicate harebells.

The park’s distinctive, grassy tussocks are yellow meadow ant anthills – a key indicator species associated with acid grassland. Some of these anthills are over 200 years old, so please be careful not to tread on them.

In the Woodland Gardens, you may hear the drumming of great spotted woodpeckers. Starlings, jackdaws and grey wagtails also nest or forage here. 

And there’s plenty going on below the waterline  Bushy Park  has many species of fish, from chub, bream and roach, to eels in the Longford River.

The Bushy Park wild deer

The 320 strong herd of wild red and fallow deer roam freely across the park – an iconic sight. Their grazing has helped shape the landscape and helps maintain the acid grassland habitat. Take extra care and keep at least 50m away from the deer.

Because of the sheer variety and abundance of wildlife, you can return to Bushy Park over and over again – and still discover something new. From a pair of rutting stags, to a glimpse of a newt or grass snake, or a grey heron with a fish in its beak.

Wildlife and parklife – a delicate balancing act

The Royal Parks are unique urban parklands, where people and wildlife can come together. We have a responsibility to balance the best interests of  people, animals, birds, plants and the planet for future generations.