It is just conjecture at the moment. But precautions need to be taken and urgently. What I'm referring to is the recent unwelcome invasion by an off-road 4WD vehicle right into the centre of Blacka where we thought there could be no risk of this happening.
Was it just a joy ride or was it a determined expedition by someone targetting the deer? The latter should not be dismissed. Not long ago poachers went onto Bigmoor with off-road 4WD vehicles, rammed down wooden gates and carried off, so I'm told, 6 deer. Poaching deer is apparently a growing problem and it's linked to the rise in price of venison.
The incursion onto Blacka happened at a time of day when the calculation might be made that few, if any, people would be about. Investigations show that wire cutters were brought to get through barbed wire and the area chosen suggests that deer may have been in mind. Some time ago the Independent reported:
"This (the loss of 50 red deer)has prompted the police to step up their activities against organised poaching gangs. The coming weeks are expected to see a rise in the poaching of deer with the increased demand for venison in the run-up to Christmas, and wildlife crime officers are on high alert."
In other parts of the country newspapers report a growing number of incidents.
If the incursion last weekend was a preparatory reconnoitre everyone who uses Blacka and everyone who drives past should be on the alert and prepared to contact the police if they see anything suspicious. It is also important for the wildlife trust to act urgently to seal off potential access points from vehicles. They were contacted early in the week about this and have been warned of the need for immediate action.
LATEST. (Saturday)
SWT have now placed a fairly strong metal post in the gateway ay Devil's Elbow. Thanks to them. The constant rain did not encourage further investigation this morning.
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