A local animal lover is upset over new signs banning wildlife feeding, fearing it could harm birds during winter.
Carol visits the area often, especially in winter. She believes these signs could leave birds hungry when they need food the most. She’s been feeding them proper food, like duck and swan feed, and thinks the council is totally missing the point.
She argues that instead of a blanket ban, they should warn against feeding bread. Carol says bread isn’t good for birds and can actually harm them. She wants signs that clearly say no bread instead of just saying don’t feed them at all.
The council, on the other hand, defends their decision. They say the signs are meant to educate people about the negative effects of feeding wildlife. They’ve had issues with goose droppings and even a rat problem, which they think got worse because of feeding.
But Carol isn’t buying it. She points out that rats are already around, and stopping people from feeding birds won’t change that. She believes hungry birds need help, especially in the cold months.
A council spokesperson mentioned they’re working with local shops to stop selling bird food. They claim the natural food sources around the lake are enough for the birds to thrive without extra feeding.
They also highlighted the importance of reducing artificial feeding to protect wildlife and improve water quality. Meanwhile, the RSPB has advised against feeding ducks and other waterfowl due to avian flu concerns. They say garden birds seem safe for now, but waterfowl are at risk. The RSPB plans to update their advice as more info comes in.
