Although deer numbers appeared stable in the area, this was only because thousands of the animals were being pushed out into the surrounding countryside each year.

BBC: Deer: 50% cull 'necessary to protect countryside'

He said wildlife had already begun to return to the area, with roe deer, brown hares and a wide variety of birds, including peregrine falcons, hobbies and kestrels, being spotted on the moss land.

BBC: Little Woolden Moss 'recovering' after peat extraction

Wildlife experts have said the sighting of the normally-shy deer so close to a built-up area is "extremely rare".

BBC: 'Shy' deer with sheep near homes in Lancashire