Council 'pleased' to see healthier duck feeding initiative in a Droitwich park has been a success
The duck feeder at Vines Park in Droitwich Spa allows people to get more suitable food for wildlife, and has been used 2,245 times since being installed 12 months ago
A scheme set-up to promote a healthier option for those feeding waterfowl in a Worcestershire park has proved popular in its first year of use, Wychavon District Council have revealed.
The duck feeder was installed in Vines Park in Droitwich Spa 12 months ago by the Feed the Ducks Initiative at no extra cost to the authority, with figures showing it has already been used 2,245 times.
They estimate with a couple of visitors linked to each use, the number could work out at around 4,500 to 6,700 people.
The feeder works by dispensing suitable food for wild birds which has more nutritional value for them compared things such as bread, which can cause water quality problems if it isn't eaten.
Councillor Beverley Hardman, who is Wychavon’s executive board member for environment, said: “I am really pleased to see how well the duck feeder has been received at Vines Park.
"It is a simple idea, but it has made a real difference by giving residents and visitors an easy way to feed the ducks safely and enjoyably.
“It is lovely to hear that people are still making positive comments a year on. The feeder helps protect our waterfowl by encouraging people not to feed them bread, and it also supports a charity that does such important work helping injured wild birds."
The machine has been created through the use of 20,000 recycled plastic bottles, with it also being solar-powered.
Through its running, it helps support Vale Wildlife Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre, with 10% donated to charity for every £1 spent.
It's raised around £225 so far, Natalie Gould from the centre said it has meant a lot to them and it's great to see it is be used.
“Seeing people enjoy feeding the ducks while helping wildlife at the same time is fantastic," she said.
"The funds raised through the Vines Park feeder will help us continue caring for injured and vulnerable animals, and we're incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported the scheme.
"It's a brilliant example of how small actions can make a big difference for local wildlife.”
Wychavon District Council added it forms part of its commitment to caring for the parks, open spaces and environment in the area.