Duck vending machine installed at Worcestershire park
A "duck vending machine" has been installed at Vines Park in Droitwich Spa to help ducks thrive on a healthy diet.
Wychavon has approved the installation of a special duck vending machine at Vines Park, Droitwich Spa, to help ducks thrive on a healthy diet. The dispenser, supplied by the Feed the Ducks Initiative, has been provided and fitted at no cost to the council, and it fully supports the council’s Environmental Promises.
Powered by solar energy and made from 20,000 recycled plastic bottles, the new machine promotes sustainability and reduces its environmental footprint, ensuring consistent operation throughout the day.
The machine, already available to use at the park, enables visitors to feed wild birds healthily and sustainably. Unlike bread, which is often fed to ducks but lacks nutritional value, the feeder provides a varied diet essential for the birds' health for just £1. Bread can fill a duck's stomach, preventing it from foraging for its natural diet and potentially leading to malnutrition. Uneaten bread also attracts pests and can cause algae blooms and water pollution.
The vending machine gives a fun way for the community to engage with nature for a small fee - the machine dispenses a generous amount of food to feed the wild birds. No cash is needed–just a contactless payment method.
Cllr Beverley Hardman, Executive Board Member for Environment, Wychavon, said, “We are excited to work with Feed the Ducks on this project. It is a wonderful opportunity for our community to connect with the environment and help care for our local ducks and waterfowl. I can’t wait to see everyone enjoying this new addition to our parks. I’m thrilled to bring new duck feeders to Droitwich Spa, making it easier for everyone to enjoy and care for our local ducks.”
For every pound spent, 10% will be given to Vale Wildlife Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre, a fantastic wildlife charity which offers help to injured birds and other animals.
Natalie Gould, from Vale Wildlife Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre, said, “We were thrilled to learn about the Feed the Ducks Initiative. For many years, we’ve tried to educate against feeding bread to waterbirds, not only to help the birds but because of the impact feeding bread can have on the environment. The Feed the Ducks Initiative is a fantastic way to provide safe, nutritious food for waterbirds with minimal impact on the environment, and we are so grateful that we’ve been chosen to receive donations through the initiative, too. We hope that all councils follow suit, and these wonderful feeders are available at all local parks that are home to waterbirds.”