Deer Parks

The aim of this project was to identify the sites of deer parks in south-west Wales, assess their condition and make recommendations for the best examples to be given statutory protection.

Medieval deer parks were an area of land, usually enclosed, which was set aside for the management of deer and other wild animals to provide a constant and sustainable supply of food throughout the year. In the post medieval period the function of the deer park shifted away from being an economic asset to being part of a designed ornamental landscape for amenity and prestige values. The project identified 14 deer parks of medieval date and three of early post-medieval date in south-west Wales.

Extract from Christopher Saxton’s 1578 map showing deer parks in South Pembrokeshire

Deer Parks Threat Assessment Report (PDF format – opens in a new window)

Heneb - The Trust for Welsh Archaeology