Illegal raves have prompted forestry workers to close off six areas of woodland in Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire.

They claim young deer have even died after becoming separated from their mothers who become disorientated by the loud noise.

The move follows anger among farmers over the New Year when it was claimed Lincolnshire Police failed to stop a rave because there were not enough revellers taking part.

Three of the woods are near Peterborough, with the others located in Bourne, Stamford and Colsterworth near Grantham.

Animals dying

Kevin Stannard, of Forest Enterprise, said they hoped to drive the ravers out by shutting access to the woodland.

Revellers arrange raves on internet chat rooms

"It is a huge problem. Last year and the year before when the raves were every other weekend or once a month we were able to employ staff to lock car parks and react.

"But now it is every weekend and sometimes two or three raves at the weekend."

He added: "You can find young deer alone because the mother has run off because of the disturbance and the young has stood still and the two never meet again and the young die."

Inspector Mick Start said: "Lincolnshire Police view the land owner as being the victim.

"They are the people that get a large group at very short notice descending on their land.

Insp Start said officers would take "whatever enforcement action is appropriate" to prevent the raves going ahead, or breaking them up once they have started.