Deer jump, Fersit area of Corrour Forest
The photographs courtesy of Stephen Newsom, Aberdour, were taken by his father Geoff Newsom while Head Forester at Corrour Forest. Geoff was transferred from Gisburn Forest NW (E) to Leanachan Forest, Fort William, in August 1966 and was responsible for the new planting operations then taking place largely around Loch Eilt and Callop next to Loch Shiel. Following the purchase of Corrour Estate by the Forestry Commission, Geoff took charge from January 1968 until December 1971, while still based at Torlundy, primarily organising and managing all the new planting operations as well those staff who had transferred from the Estate. In March 1972 Corrour was amalgamated with Strathmashie Forest. Geoff was then relocated to Wark Forest, and again to Jervaulx Forest (both NE England), and ended his forestry career in November 1983.
The natural topography has been used in the creation of this ‘deer jump’ to enable fenced in deer to jump out either of their own volition or perhaps under some pressure from walking keepers. The fence line has been brought close to a knoll on the inside of the enclosure and the ground further heightened and brought closer to the fence edge by addition of turf and stones. Deer running the fence from the left would meet the rail barrier and perhaps consider jumping out. They could also come the other way and perhaps see the opportunity to jump over.
Can anyone say if these worked? The writer has seen other constructions and constructed similar jumps but apart from seeing deer footprints on top not had definitive proof that they actually achieved their purpose!
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Groups: Forestry Areas