Despite all the work that has been carried out in the last
couple of years to ensure that the gate into the Cockstane
area always latches and that the deer fences are in tact, we
were concerned to discover evidence that deer were still
getting into the enclosed area during the winter of 2012/13
and feeding on our trees. During consultations with local
experts it was suggested that deer were climbing up the stone
gateposts with a little help from deep lying
snow.
****
In order to
establish whether this theory is correct the pictured
temporary structure has been installed over the gateposts and
we will be monitoring the situation closely over the coming
winter. If this proves a success then we will attempt to find
a more permanent and aesthetically pleasing
solution.
****
In the
meantime huge thanks to Society member, John Mackay,
who happily admits that his
temporary arrangement owes something to a certain Mr W.
Heath Robinson!
****
If
you have any comments or suggestions please
contact the Treasurer.
*****
Updates:
******
Unfortunately there was very little snow at the
Cockstane in the winter of 2013/2014; so we were unable to
prove or disprove our theory. The good news in that there are
no signs that the deer got into the area. The contraption has
now been removed and safely stored. It will be back next
winter!
*****
!!!
Stop Press !!!
*****
The contraption
or, as we now know it, CADD (Cockstane
Anti-Deer Defence) was reinstalled early in 2015 before
the snows arrived. Thank you
John.
