Species such as yellowhammer, reed bunting, skylark and meadow pipit are a common sight in the open areas of the park. Deadly nightshade is allowed to grow within the ruins of Bradgate House, having been originally established there during World War II by Leicester Polytechnic's School of Pharmacy for medicinal purposes. As of 2015 deer numbers were around 450 but concerns have been raised about dogs chasing deer. Trust notices displaced at the entrances now advise that dogs must be on a lead in specified areas near the main footpath. Dogs are allowed off lead in around 75% of the area of the park, so long as they are kept under effective control and do not worry the deer. The Daily Telegraph highlighted Bradgate in an article referencing the busybodies charter though it failed to mention the deer. In July 2016 a visitor centre opened in the Deer Barn buildings off the main path east of Bradgate House in addition to the existing cafe. The geology section features details of the park's formation during its stages of volcanism, glacial erosion and inhabitation by Ediacara biota. It also shows the tracks of a later land based lizard. The archaeology section features work by Leicester University beginning in 2014 and includes evidence of Creswellian sites from 14,500 years ago. There is also a cafe (with gift shop) at Newtown Linford. There are pay car parks at the Hallgates entrance, Newtown Linford and Hunts Hill (at the top of the park near Old John). The park is open from dawn until dusk all year round, though the public footpaths which run through the area mean that in practice the park is always accessible. It is also possible to travel to the park by bus. Bus routes 120 timetable 120 stops near the park entrance in Newtown Linford, while 154 buses run between Leicester and Loughborough, travelling along Reservoir road, stopping within a short walk of the park's Hallgates entrance. There are two footpaths from the village of Anstey, easily accessible from Leicester by the 74 bus timetable 74. One path is directly opposite the bus stop on Link Road, between Cropston Road and Hazelhead Road. The path is signposted from Link Road and crosses several fields before entering the park proper. Another route, which joins the main path, is accessible from the edge of the village, adjacent to the last houses on Bradgate Road. The park is within easy cycling distance from the city centre of Leicester.