Deer to return to Heemsermarspark after safety upgrades and resident demand
After a two-year absence, deer will return to Heemsermarspark following essential safety upgrades to their enclosure. Local residents pushed for the return of the animals, which have been part of the park since the 1960s. The council will decide on funding for the project soon, with deer expected back by early 2027.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Heemsermarspark, Netherlands |
| Evacuation Date | December 2023 (due to high water) |
| Expected Return Date | Early 2027 |
| Funding Decision | Pending council approval |
| Enclosure Upgrades | Steeper pond banks flattened, additional vegetation, raised areas |
| Visitor Adjustments | Walking path removed near N34, fence moved back 3 metres |
| Flood Storage Status | Park remains a flood storage area; evacuation plan in place |
| Resident Involvement | Local demand drove the decision to reintroduce deer |
The municipal executive is responsible for managing public spaces like Heemsermarspark, including the welfare of animals in municipal care. Their role involves balancing ecological, recreational, and safety considerations while responding to community feedback and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
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Deer return to renovated Heemsermarspark
The municipal executive plans to reintroduce deer to the deer enclosure in Heemsermarspark. The animals were evacuated during the high water in December 2023. After thorough research, the executive wishes to bring deer back to the park. However, several adjustments will be made to the enclosure to ensure the animals’ well-being. These works are scheduled for this autumn. The executive will request funding from the council for this purpose. The council will soon decide on the matter. By early 2027 at the latest, the first deer are expected to return to the enclosure.
The return of the deer was a clear wish expressed by local residents. Deer have been present in the park since the 1960s. Following the evacuation due to the 2023 high water, the situation was thoroughly examined. Since then, no animals have been present in the park. To ensure the deer can return safely, a number of adjustments will be made.
Current challenges in the enclosure
The research identified several issues. For example, walking and cycling paths around the deer enclosure are increasingly busy. Within the enclosure itself, there are few sheltered spots where the animals can retreat, such as tree trunks or vegetation. This makes it difficult for the deer to rest properly. Additionally, the steep banks of the pond pose a danger if the animals fall into the water. Finally, the park is flat, with no higher areas where the deer can stand if the ground becomes wet.
Pond banks
The pond in the deer enclosure also presents a risk, as its banks are very steep. This makes it difficult for animals that fall into the water to climb out.
More space between animals and visitors
One of the measures involves increasing the distance between the deer and passers-by. This will be achieved by removing the walking path on the side of the N34. This side of the enclosure will then become a quiet area for the deer. The fence at the front will also be moved back by three metres, creating more space between the cycling path and the enclosure. The newly available space will be used to create a new walking path, ensuring visitors no longer stand on the cycling path.
Redesigning the deer enclosure
To provide the deer with more tranquillity, additional planting will be added, creating more sheltered spots. Species that also provide food for the deer, such as oak trees, will be chosen. The banks of the pond will be made less steep, and the pond will be dredged. The excavated material will be used to create a raised area, or ‘terp’, where the hay rack will eventually be placed.
Litter and feeding
Litter, both intentional and accidental, ends up in the park, posing a risk to the animals. Even well-intentioned feeding with bread is harmful to the deer, as it can cause fermentation in their stomachs, disrupting their digestion. Signs will therefore be placed in the park, providing information about the animals, their care, and the reasons why visitors should not feed them.
Heemsermarspark remains a flood storage area
Heemsermarspark will continue to serve as a flood storage area, meaning it will absorb excess water when the Vecht river rises too high. Clear agreements have been made to ensure the deer can be evacuated promptly if necessary. An additional gate will also be installed in the enclosure to allow for quicker evacuation if needed.