Julia Lopez MP Joins Harold Hill Deer Aid Team To See The Fantastic Work They Do.

Last Friday 24 January, the Member of Parliament for Hornchurch and Upminster joined Harold Hill Deer Aid members to see first hand the incredible work this group of volunteers do everyday. The team were able to talk to Julia about the challenges and struggles they face trying to save our wildlife with the increasing builds right across the area.

Mrs Lopez writes:

“I met local volunteers, Jan, Shantel, Mick and Laura of Harold Hill Deer Aid, who give up their time to look after the famous herd based mainly in Dagnam Park.

The group do an amazing job tending to local deer and wildlife when they get injured or stuck. Increasingly, the deer are wandering further afield and into residential areas, posing real safety risk to themselves and motorists as they cross the A12. Sadly 13 have died crossing the A12 already in 2025 and it is becoming a 24/7 job for the volunteers to respond to call-outs.

To help minimise the dangers of the deer crossing this busy dual carriageway, I have written on behalf of residents to Transport for London to raise Deer Aid’s suggestions that speed cameras be reinstated and that additional signage be installed to warn motorists that there are deer in the area. I have also engaged Havering Council on the group’s behalf.

Residents can help too. Deer Aid say that while it can be tempting to feed the deer when they venture away from Dagnam Park, this ultimately encourages the animals to move to residential areas, increasing the likelihood they get involved in an accident. They also need to raise funds to pay for vet treatment when injuries occur.”

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