Network Rail has completed the installation of 15 deer leaps along the railway boundary on the line between Kinbrace and Forsinard.
Deer leaps, which were first introduced on the line on an experimental basis back in 2019, offer all deer, but especially calves and juveniles, an escape route to prevent them from being hit by trains should they inadvertently stray onto, or become trapped on the line while crossing.
The leaps were installed as part of work to renew more than 5 miles of fencing in the area as part of an investment of almost £200k in the area to renew and upgrade the railway boundary.
To create the escape route for all deer, especially for the smaller ones, ground levels are changed on either side of the fence to assist quick, safe access and exit when crossing the railway.
A calf and mother will rarely separate, and should a calf get stuck the mother will not leave it, putting them both at risk. Leaps allow young deer to get over the fences and reduce the number of potential accidents involving deer.
The leaps are placed at areas where it is obvious deer regularly congregate and cross the railway. These locations have been identified and highlighted to Network Rail through engagement with the gamekeeper on the Auchentoul estate which borders the railway.
Once the deer learn the easier crossing routes, aligned to established routes over the railway, it is hoped they will use them by preference thereby reducing the number of deer struck by trains on the Scottish rail network.
It is hoped that the introduction of deer leaps will help cut the number of deer struck by trains which currently accounts for circa one fifth of animals struck by trains on the Scottish rail network.
Jonathan Callis, Senior Asset Engineer, Network Rail, commented: “Wild deer are an integral part of Scotland’s wildlife and ecology and occur the length and breadth of our network.
“Solutions like this allow us to reduce the risk of collisions at ‘problem locations’ where deer are known to cross our land and positively contributes overall to deer welfare.
“It will not solve the problem completely as wild deer can attempt to cross the railway anywhere and at any time, but at these hotspots, the leaps should make for a quicker, easier and safer crossing for the deer.
“Installation of these leaps promotes deer welfare across the estate, while maintaining a safe and secure railway for the public.”
Duncan Bentley, Gamekeeper of the Achentoul Estate commented: “Deer Management is an essential part of the eco system in the area and these measures will safeguard the deer and public safety on the railway line whilst ensuring deer will still be able to move about freely and reduce the number of potential accidents to them.
“Everyone at Achentoul Estate is grateful for the cooperation and understanding shown by Network Rail in installing deer leaps on the Estate.”
Photo and video credit: Network Rail
