I
Ian Cloke
Guest
Visitors to an award-winning nature reserve are being asked not to feed the ducks in a bid to combat problems which have killed hundreds of fish.
South Ribble Council have introduced the move at the Longton Brickcroft Nature Reserve to try and stabilise oxygen levels in one of its ponds.
More than 400 fish were killed early last month when oxygen levels dropped dangerously low. Samples were taken from the water of the south pond by the Environment Agency, amid concerns the deaths had been caused by vandals.
Teams from the Longton Angling Society worked with the centre's park rangers to fill 25 bin bags with dead fish in a three-day operation. Dozens of carp, eels and other species were retrieved, but test results came back inconclusive, meaning the cause of death may never be known.
Council officials have now posted signs around the pond reminding visitors not to feed the ducks. It is currently thought that the drop in oxygen levels might have been caused by uneaten bread decaying in the water. However visitors can still continue to feed the ducks in other areas.
Coun Matthew Tomlinson, cabinet member with responsibility for community services said: "This has come as a blow to everyone who visits Longton Brickcroft.
"Losing so many fish has impacted greatly on the Brickcroft as a whole. It's extremely disappointing that the tests carried out by the Environment Agency have not been able to tell us exactly what happened.
"In the meantime, we will continue working closely with Longton Angling Society, who have been valuable partners in the running of this reserve."
The council now hopes to reintroduce fish to the pond once the oxygen levels have returned to normal. Meanwhile, the Environment Agency will continue to carry out tests at the site.
South Ribble Council have introduced the move at the Longton Brickcroft Nature Reserve to try and stabilise oxygen levels in one of its ponds.
More than 400 fish were killed early last month when oxygen levels dropped dangerously low. Samples were taken from the water of the south pond by the Environment Agency, amid concerns the deaths had been caused by vandals.
Teams from the Longton Angling Society worked with the centre's park rangers to fill 25 bin bags with dead fish in a three-day operation. Dozens of carp, eels and other species were retrieved, but test results came back inconclusive, meaning the cause of death may never be known.
Council officials have now posted signs around the pond reminding visitors not to feed the ducks. It is currently thought that the drop in oxygen levels might have been caused by uneaten bread decaying in the water. However visitors can still continue to feed the ducks in other areas.
Coun Matthew Tomlinson, cabinet member with responsibility for community services said: "This has come as a blow to everyone who visits Longton Brickcroft.
"Losing so many fish has impacted greatly on the Brickcroft as a whole. It's extremely disappointing that the tests carried out by the Environment Agency have not been able to tell us exactly what happened.
"In the meantime, we will continue working closely with Longton Angling Society, who have been valuable partners in the running of this reserve."
The council now hopes to reintroduce fish to the pond once the oxygen levels have returned to normal. Meanwhile, the Environment Agency will continue to carry out tests at the site.