From time to time I meet people through my role as environmental spokesperson for the Kingskerswell Alliance, who don't believe there are deer on Kerswell Down? As a regular walker I have been fortunate enough to have had numerous sightings of these deer either on or very close to the Downs.

Today, (Sunday 18th March '07) I spoted a group of three deer and was able to photograph them. (Picture attached) Living proof the deer exist.

The residents of Kingskerswell are very lucky to have such a wealth of wildlife on their doorstep. I make no apologies for having campaigned to protect the Downs for future generations.

Note: The deer in the foreground actually appears to have sustained a nasty wound to the neck at some stage?

Although we can't be sure, I can't help wondering if this has been caused by indiscriminate use of barbed wire by land owners?

I know large numbers of deer are considered a pest, but I've only ever seen a maximum of six. These deer do leap through/over hedgerows when startled, maybe there is an issue to try and get barbed wire removed?