Park gets solar-powered feeder to aid duck health

A solar-powered bird feeder has been installed in a park in Staffordshire to encourage visitors to feed ducks responsibly.

Lichfield District Council, which is behind the scheme, said it wanted to discourage people from feeding bread, which can be harmful to ducks and cause water contamination.

The new dispenser at Beacon Park would allow visitors to buy specially-formulated duck feed for £1.50 per portion, the authority said.

Local community group Lichfield Litter Legends will keep the dispenser topped up and will receive 10% of the proceeds to support their work.

Councillor Phil Whitehouse, cabinet member for parks, said the initiative would support wildlife and maintain the cleanliness of public spaces.

“Bread might seem harmless, but it is actually detrimental to ducks’ health and the environment,” he said.

“The safety of all park users and animals is of paramount importance and the dispenser also discourages visitors from bringing food for the ducks which is dangerous to other species, such as grapes, which could prove fatal if eaten by dogs exercising in Beacon Park.”

He said the new solar-powered dispenser aligned with the council’s commitment to protect the district’s natural beauty for future generations.

Bob Harrison of Lichfield Litter Legends said he thought it was an excellent initiative.

“The feed is high quality and dispensed right into the hand so there is no need for plastic bags or cups which could have been a source of litter,” he said.

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