The Wildlife Aid crew secure the deer’s legs after capturing her in the ditch.

A young roe deer trapped in an enclosure by Kenley Airfield since spring last year has finally been freed, much to the relief of local residents. The deer had been trapped close to Victor Beamish Avenue in Caterham-on-the- Hill and seemed unable to escape.

A member of the Wildlife Aid team carries the frightened young deer away from the ditch.

At the end of January, local residents concerned for the animal’s welfare called the Surrey Wildlife Trust who recommended consulting the Wildlife Aid Foundation based in Leatherhead. After first assessing the situation, the decision was made to try to capture the young female deer and return her to the wild. Wildlife Aid worker David Gooden and his team were concerned that the deer may injure herself on the high security fencing during the rescue attempt, but as she negotiated a ditch the crew were able to catch her and safely secure her fore and hind legs to avoid injury.

The deer is placed into a sleeping bag for safe transportation. Photographs by Shelley Patey.

She was then put in a sleeping bag, carried to a vehicle and transported to Kenley Common where she was released. David Gooden said: “After we released the deer she ran a short way off then stopped and looked back at us before walking away.” For more information about Wildlife Aid, to make a donation and to view films of recent animal rescues visit www.wildlifeaid.org.uk