Concerns have been raised after deer, including stags, have been displaced at the Brightwell Lakes development in Martlesham – leaving one dogwalker being met face-to-face with stag.
Taylor Wimpey, the company behind the development, has stated it is conducting regular inspections after confirming deer on their site.
One local dogwalker said: “It has become apparent to myself, and others, that the wildlife, particularly deer, are being displaced by the construction work.
“I have viewed deer in the woodland to the rear of Falcon Park and last week, I came face-to-face with a stag whilst walking.
“I have previously encountered muntjacs, who are often seen on Falcon Park, but never stags.”
Stag seen on hilltops as they remain displaced according to locals (Image: Contributed)
They continued to say that a nesting site for skylarks has also been destroyed having been bulldozed due to the construction work.
“While they say the deer are safe, what about people? What if my dog had been off the lead and the stag reacted badly? What danger could it put the public in?”
A spokesperson for Taylor Wimpey said: “We are aware that deer have been present at the site of our Brightwell Lakes development in recent weeks.
“The safety of local wildlife is of the utmost importance, and we are conducting regular inspections of the perimeter fencing to ensure the deer in the surrounding area remain safe.
The former sign notifying about the skylark nest which has now been destroyed (Image: Contributed)
“At present, there is no indication that any deer are trapped or at immediate risk.”
Taylor Wimpey added that they have informed the local authority of the deers’ presence and has confirmed it is satisfied with the steps being taken.
They also state that regular inspections have indicated that the deer are displaying normal ranging behaviour when moving through a large, partially wooded area like the Brightwell Lakes site.