Activists, who form part of the 'stop the wildlife cull' group are holding a series of protests over the coming weeks against the deer cull. 

The deer cull takes place in Richmond Park from Wednesday 1 February for seven weeks, to manage the deer population. 

A spokesperson for the group, who protested this afternoon outside of Roehampton Gate said: "There are other ways to control the numbers without killing them. 

"Why kill if you don't have to kill?" 

The protester, who had been campaigning on this topic on and off for over a decade added: "It's distressing for the other animals around them, they must be terrified." 

Activists, who form part of the 'stop the wildlife cull' group are holding a series of protests over the coming weeks against the deer cull. (Photo Credit: Heather Nicholls).

They suggest that the deer population could be controlled through non-lethal methods such as neutering the female deer.

They cite the example of a successful project in America where deer numbers are being controlled by the capture, neutering, and release of female deer. 

A spokesperson for The Royal Parks said: "As a member of the British Deer Society, The Royal Parks takes deer welfare very seriously and all aspects of their welfare are monitored regularly.  

They suggest that the deer population could be controlled through non lethal methods such as neutering the female deer. (Photo Credit: Heather Nicholls).

"In addition, both the society and the Deer Initiative of England and Wales fully endorse humane culling.  

 "The Royal Parks is an expert manager of enclosed deer herds, which are under veterinary supervision.  

"Deer populations are actively managed to keep herds at a sustainable size and to prevent overcrowding.  

 They added: "Without population control, food would become scarce and more animals would ultimately suffer.  

"There would also be other welfare issues such as low body fat, malnutrition, high incidence of death from exposure to cold in winter and a build-up of parasites and diseases in deer."