The lakeshore in Bowness (Image: Newsquest/SWNS)
Outraged animal enthusiast Carol Cook has blasted a council’s “bird-brained” decision to put up signs instructing visitors not to feed the wildlife at a popular lakeland.
The regular bird-feeder, who frequents the Glebe in Bowness-on-Windermere during the winter, expressed her fury over signs she believes could lead to animals going hungry during winter months.
Ms Cook is adamant that the council’s advice is misguided and insists that birds in the area are at risk of starving when temperatures plummet.
She has been nurturing the birds with “proper duck and swan food”, and is urging officials to change tack by warning against the dangers of bread instead of a blanket ban on feeding.
The passionate nature lover made it clear, saying: “I do really feel they should put a sign up saying no bread, it’s always said: ‘It’s no good for them, it doesn’t give them any nutrition,’ but having found out it actually does them harm I feel there should be signs that really emphasise it.”
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An animal lover has slammed a ‘bird-brained’ council for putting up signs telling people not to feed the wildlife at a tourist hotspot (Image: Newsquest/SWNS)
Officials at Westmorland and Furness Council defended their actions, explaining that the signs erected in South Cumbria were part of efforts to educate the public on the adverse effects that feeding can have on the environment and wildlife health.
Their statement underscored steps taken last year to discourage people from potentially harmful feeding practices, saying: “Last year the council installed signs in the area to raise awareness of the harm caused by feeding birds and other wildlife.
“These efforts followed reports of significant amounts of goose droppings and a rat infestation, which were exacerbated by feeding practices.”
However, Ms Cook countered: “We have rats anyway, you’re never going to get rid of rats, and that’s not helping the birds who do get hungry in winter.”
A council spokesman said: “To further improve the area, the council has been working with local retailers to discourage the sale of bird food.
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Carol Cook, who regularly feeds the birds on the Glebe in said she was ‘incensed’ by council signs telling people not to feed the wildlife. (Image: Newsquest/SWNS)
“The lake and its surrounding shores provide adequate natural food sources for birds and other wildlife, ensuring they can thrive without the need for artificial feeding.
“By reducing artificial feeding, we aim to protect wildlife, improve water quality, and prevent the spread of diseases.”
The RSBP has issued guidance urging the public to refrain from feeding ducks, swans, geese and gulls due to the current outbreak of avian flu in the UK. The charity’s information states: “Whereas garden birds currently appear relatively unaffected by avian flu, waterfowl and gull species are particularly susceptible to this disease.”
The RSPB added that they will review this advice as more information becomes available.