Motorists using the Ashdown Forest are being urged to slow down and be deer aware as the annual mating season begins.

Every year there are hundreds of incidents involving deer and vehicles on the roads across the forest – and the risk is especially high at this time of year when the rut begins.

The rutting season is when the deer become more active as they extend their territories in search of mates. They are most active around the morning and evening rush hour, meaning there is an increased risk of collisions with vehicles.

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Ash Walmsley, Ashdown Forest Countryside Manager said: “During the rut, the male deer compete for females through aggressive behaviours including roaring, parallel walking and antler fighting. If two stags are of a similar size and strength, they will lock antlers and fight for dominance.”

There are three species of deer living on Ashdown Forest: Fallow, Roe, and Muntjac. A recent survey, undertaken by the High Weald Living Landscape Deer Project, estimated that there were 13 fallow deer for every square kilometre of Forest.

The forest has issued the following tips to reduce the risk of a deer collision, and what to do if you are unfortunate enough to be involved in one:

• If your headlights are on, use full beams when you can but dip them if you see deer because they may ‘freeze’
• Lower your speed when you see a deer. More deer will likely follow the first one you see, so be aware
• Always be prepared to stop. Avoid suddenly swerving to avoid a deer. Hitting oncoming traffic or another obstacle could be even worse
• If you must stop, activate your hazard warning lights
• Do not approach an injured deer as it could be dangerous
• If the deer is injured but alive and either in the road or could go back onto the road call 999 and ask for the Police
• If the deer is alive but injured and unlikely to go into the road, please call 101 and Police will contact a deer warden
• If the deer is dead but causing a road obstruction, call 999
• If the deer is dead but not in the carriageway, please contact Wealden District Council for collection (guidance may vary in areas outside of the Wealden District)
• The British Deer Society has identified the Ashdown Forest as a hotspot for deer collisions. Their UK DVC (Deer Vehicle Collision) map of the area identifies the Forest as a high-risk.