Deer enjoying lockdown freedom on Cleethorpes beach

The lockdown has given more wildlife the chance to roam freely onCleethorpes beach.

As the thousands of tourists and dog walkers who normally visit thecoastline have stayed away in line with Government advice, deer haveenjoyed some new freedom.

Wildlife enthusiasts have taken photographs and video of the deerwhich have arrived in greater numbers over the seven-week lockdown.

Outdoor learning consultant and ecologist, Caroline Carr said she isthrilled to see so many more deer using the beaches.

They are roe deer, which are distinctive with their white heart-shapedfurry rear.

Humberside Fire and Rescue Service crews have been called out to freemore deer than usual after they became stuck in fencing along theseafront. There have been two call outs in the past two weeks to freedeer.

Muntjac deer, a small deer around the size of a large fox have alsobeen spotted at dusk in the flooded lagoons near the Leisure Centreand along towards the Boating Lake.

Resident Melvin Drew said:

"On our morning walk down Buck Beck heading towards Cleethorpes we came across a couple looking into the hedgerow.

"We were contemplating our social distancing to get round them only to realise a deer had become trapped in the railings adjacent to the Old Pleasure Island site.

"It was obvious it was in a lot of distress and needed quick action tosave it.

"A 999 call was made and within five minutes a fire crew arrived and two firefighters arrived down the path with their equipment to open up the railings.

"It was undertaken with great care so as not to stress the animal out any more. The deer made a quick exit with no apparent injury."

Caroline said badgers are also enjoying greater freedom with thereduction in the number of dog walkers and tourists, especially closeto the Tetney Marshes area of special scientific interest.

She is normally conducting visits by school children throughout theyear. But school closures have meant they have been postponed untilafter the lockdown.

She told how many of the deer which once heavily-populated the fieldsbetween Humberston and Holton-le-Clay have been displaced due tohousing developments.

Humberside Police carried out a killing of a deer after it becametrapped on Humberston Avenue last month. More deer have been spottedusing Humberston Avenue.