The operation, led by West Sussex Wildlife Protection, was in response to concerns from residents, who had reported as early as December 2025 that five deer had been trapped when a field was fenced off in preparation for housebuilding in Climping. 

The trust met with developers Foreman Homes and devised a plan to move the deer out of the field, which involved closing a nearby road and forming a ‘funnel’ of people to herd the animals out of the site.

The operation was described by the trust as a “huge task” and “extremely challenging”. 

Two deer successfully made it out of the field, while the other three were subsequently caught by experienced volunteers, before being checked over by a veterinary nurse from Sompting Wildlife Rescue and released.

All the deer had sustained minor injuries during their time within the fencing, however these are expected to heal. 

Residents had previously photographed the deer trapped by fencing (Image: Submitted)

The trust thanked all people and agencies involved in the operation, including the site developers, West Sussex County Council Highways, West Sussex Fire Service, Sompting Wildlife Rescue, Worthing Wildlife Rescue and Brighton & Hove Wildlife Advice & Rescue Service. 

Residents near to the development had previously reported seeing the animals repeatedly running into the fencing in distress, and had expressed concerns that the deer could die if the situation was not addressed.

Plans for the site, which include up to 300 new homes on land south of Horsemere Green Lane near to the A259, were originally approved in 2023.