DEER-LIGHTFUL: Heartwarming Photos Of Park Life

They could be roaming the ancient moorlands of Scotland as they appear through the frosty air on a frozen landscape.

But, in fact, these shots of wild deer were taken at Richmond Park, barely 10 miles from central London and Trafalgar Square.

The park is the largest of London's Royal Parks and was created by Charles I in the 17th century as a hunting park.

Although the deer that live there today have no fear of being hunted by anyone other than photographers.

It is officially listed as a National Nature Reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

These winter images were taken by Linda Prigarska, 34, who works as a sales operations director for a telecoms company in West London.

Originally from Latvia, she's been living in London for 11 years and moved to Richmond during the pandemic in 2020.

She told Newsflash: "Both videos were recorded during my morning walks in Richmond Park when snow made a very brief appearance in London and turned the city into a real-life winter wonderland."

She said that having access to the park was important, as it felt like she was back in the countryside every time she visited.

She told Newsflash: "My love for nature and wildlife has been ingrained into me since my early childhood.

"I spent most of my spare time whilst growing up on my grandparents' farm in Latvia living in synergy with nature - running barefoot through the beautiful meadows, making flower crowns with my sister, going for wild swims in the ponds and lakes nearby, picking berries and mushrooms in the forest and enjoying sleigh rides in the Baltic winter weather, where the temperatures would drop to minus 20 degrees Celsius or lower."

She started taking and sharing videos in November 2021 when she created her @lemon.rise project.

She said: "It was after spending the summer in Latvia, where my godmother introduced me to the magic of the ambrosial hour by taking me for a wild swim at dawn.

"Upon my return to London, I began my sunrise walks in Richmond Park, and started taking pictures and short videos with my iPhone to capture the essence of my morning experiences, and share the snippets of what the park looks and feels like in the early hours of the day when most of us are still in bed."

Speaking about the deer, she said they "make Richmond Park a unique place where people can escape their fast-paced city routines and immerse themselves in nature".

She added: "A short walk in nature can do wonders for physical and mental health.

"One of the first associations many of us have with the deer (especially the spotted ones!) is the famous Disney character Bambi.

"No wonder seeing deer in real life feels like a fairytale.

"I have learned by now where the deer like to gather in the park, depending on the time of the day, and I am therefore lucky enough to see them and greet them every time I go for a walk.

"It is fascinating that there are over 630 deer roaming freely in Richmond Park since 1637.

"I saw 300 of them all together once, which was breathtaking to say the least!"