THE boss of Yorkshire Wildlife Trust has defended a decision to move a flock of sheep to a part of Spurn Point swamped by the worst tidal surge in 60 years. Dozens of its Hebridean sheep, a common sight enjoyed by families visiting the reserve, drowned when they were caught out by the waves.
Now, it has emerged the charity, which owns the sheep, moved them to the field where they died, shortly before the surge hit last Thursday, believing they would be safe.
Arthair Gordon, a regular visitor to the reserve, said he chanced on the carcasses of 30 or more sheep during a visit to inspect the aftermath of the surge.
He said: "I discovered tens of sheep had drowned. These sheep were in a fenced field and this field would be a maximum of 2m above sea level.
"I cannot believe that anybody with any sense of care, knowing that there was a storm surge coming down the North Sea, would have left sheep in such a remote place that was certain to flood. It is obvious from the carcasses that are hanging from the fences that the whole section of the point had been breached by waves and drowned the sheep. What a terrible way to go.
"Knowing these are Yorkshire Wildlife Trust sheep, I cannot believe they were not moved to a different location, as they own a lot of other land across Yorkshire. This storm had been predicted for more than a week, so how could they neglect their sheep?
"This is a devastating event and as an animal-lover who owns several sheep and cows, I find it deeply upsetting. Whoever is responsible for this should have to stand up to what they have done."
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust has revealed it moved the flock to a part of the reserve that was thought to be safe from flooding. However, the force of the surge punched through the protective flood bank and swamped the area.
Dr Rob Stoneman, the trust's chief executive, said: "We are devastated by the loss of part of our Hebridean herd. Naturally, animal welfare is of paramount importance to us and for this to happen is a huge tragedy for the animals and our staff and volunteers who looked after them."
Dr Stoneman said Yorkshire Wildlife Trust staff are helping its tenants, Associated British Ports and the RNLI, with the clean-up operation.
"The peninsular has changed dramatically and a long stretch of the site will now wash over at high tide," he said.
"The trust is working with engineers to try and assess how safe the remaining sections of road are.
"While major works and the clean up are taking place at Spurn, the trust is asking the public not to visit."
About 200 homes and businesses across East Yorkshire were flooded after being hit by the surge– a result of an Atlantic storm and a spring tide.
Malcolm Tarling, spokesman for the Association of British Insurers, was last night unable to give a damage estimate.
He said: "It's still too early to be able to put a figure on it.
"Clearly, the priority for insurance companies is getting the damage assessed and claims processed as quickly as possible."
