Volunteers distraught after ducks death - The Evesham Observer

Volunteers distraught after ducks death

Evesham Editorial 14th Nov, 2015 Updated: 20th Oct, 2016   0

VOLUNTEERS at a Pershore community group has been left heartbroken after a pair of ducks were found dumped in a plastic bag on Avon Meadows.

The mallards were discovered by a volunteer from the Friends of Avon Meadows on Sunday morning (November 8), near to the entrance of the nature reserve from the Cherry Orchard playing field.

The pair, one male and one female, had their necks broken and had callously been tied together by orange baler twine.

Wychavon District Council, which is responsible for Avon Meadows along with Pershore Town Council, has since reported the incident to police.




Mallards and their nests are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which means it’s illegal to intentionally kill, injure or take any wild bird.

They are also on the amber list of Birds of Conservation Concern, as their numbers have dropped by up to 50 per cent over the last 25 years.


Val Wood, secretary of the Friends of Avon Meadows and also both a town and district councillor said: “The ducks had no marks on their bodies so were obviously caught.

“Avon Meadows is an important area used by all the community and the ducks are there to provide pleasure, especially to children.

“We as a group put a lot of time and effort into making Avon Meadows a safe place for people and animals. I just hope this is a one-off.”

Liz Etheridge, Wychavon’s wetlands for all officer said: “It’s clear these mallards did not die from natural causes.

“I’m sickened anyone thinks it’s acceptable to come to a nature reserve and kill wild birds.

“The mallards at Avon Meadows are so friendly and lots of people, including families with young children, love coming to feed the ducks and watch their antics.

“The Friends of Avon Meadows spend so much time looking after all the wildlife. I’m struggling to take in the fact someone did this.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 101 quoting incident number 237-S-09112015.

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