By Emma Gill
Copyright manchestereveningnews
Tatton Park has updated visitors following the closure of one of its main entrances. We reported last month how the Knutsford gate was shut following a number of incidents with deer. A significant change in the behaviour of the red stags had been reported as poor grass growing conditions had left them competing for the acorns in the wooded areas close to the entrance. Park bosses also confirmed there was a much larger group of stags than usual – around 25 – which was double the usual number. And despite warnings and signage in the park, visitors were continuing to get too close to the deer, resulting in ‘a couple of injuries’. For the best ideas on days out, shopping and parenting issues, get the Manchester Family newsletter here But today, October 3, the park has revealed that the gates are being fully reopened this weekend. In a Facebook post, it said: “After weeks of closely monitoring the behaviour of a number of stags feeding near to Knutsford Gate, we’re pleased to announce that the gates will fully reopen from Saturday, 4th October with our usual opening times.” The pedestrian gate will open from 8am and the vehicle gate from 10am. Visitors are being reminded to ‘maintain a safe distance of 50m or more’ from the wild deer herd and, with expected high winds forecast with Storm Amy, to ‘take extra care and avoid walking near trees during windy conditions’. Dog Wood will be closed for pedestrian access and the car park at the Knutsford end will remain closed due to the weather . Join our Family WhatsApp group HERE The closure of the gate proved controversial in the community with some welcoming the move saying it’s ‘better to be safe than sorry’, but others hitting out at the closure. The park said the decision had to be taken by Tatton management with input from Cheshire East Council’s health and safety manager, its director of growth and enterprise, and ‘with expert advice from the leading deer vet who works across many deer parks and with the National Trust, plus of course our own Ranger team’.
