Deer marooned by flood waters

The deer were able to move a few yards in each direction but unable to find a dry exit from their predicament. Credit: John Hawkins/GNS

People on the Highnam to Gloucester cycle path near Over on Christmas Day say they saw a herd of around 15 red deer marooned by floodwater.The animals were clustered together on a narrow strip of boggy land surrounded by floods from the River Leadon and Severn behind the Toby Carvery and Over Farm Market.

The deer were moving a few yards in each direction but unable to find a dry exit from their predicament.The land on all sides was underwater from the river floods and because the fields were still waterlogged from Monday's torrential downpours.When a group of walkers tried to get closer to the deer to help them, the animals panicked and a large stag led the way as they charged into the floods.

Finding it not as deep as they had feared, the animals gained confidence and moved safely through the flood waters and away.