We are excited to announce a new partnership with The Feed Ducks Initiative, aimed at preserving the health of local duck populations and improving the water quality in Beacon Park.
Through this collaboration, a solar-powered bird feed dispenser has been installed in the park to encourage visitors to feed ducks responsibly, and to discourage the harmful practice of feeding bread, which can cause water contamination and contribute to harmful litter from discarded plastic bags.
The feed dispenser, made from the recycled plastics equivalent to 20,000 bottles, allows visitors to purchase a portion of healthy, specially formulated duck feed for £1.50 per portion.
Lichfield Litter Legends, a community group dedicated to keeping local areas clean and green, will keep the dispenser topped up with feed and receive ten per cent of the proceeds to support its work.
Councillor Phil Whitehouse, Cabinet Member for Operational Services, Parks & Waste, expressed his support for the initiative:
“This partnership is an exciting step forward in preserving both our wildlife and the cleanliness of our public spaces. Bread might seem harmless, but it is actually detrimental to ducks’ health and the environment.
“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.
“Our new solar-powered dispenser provides a sustainable and convenient way to care for our wildlife while supporting the amazing work of the Lichfield Litter Legends. The Feed Ducks Initiative perfectly aligns with our commitment to protecting our natural beauty for future generations.”
Bob Harrison of Lichfield Litter Legends said:
“We have been invited by the team at Beacon Park to take part in the duck feeding project which we think is 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.”
The Feed Ducks Initiative is provided at no charge to local councils, making it an ideal addition to parks and public spaces across the country. The introduction of the new feeder marks a significant step towards a more sustainable approach to duck feeding.