'Don't feed the birds' signs at Jersey reservoir 'ripped down'

Friday, 8 November 2024 07:54

New signs telling people not to feed the ducks at Queen's Valley reservoir have been ripped down.

Jersey Water says it put them there earlier this week to explain the problems caused by people feeding wildlife.

They explained that bird-feeding can make them ill, attract rats and affect the water quality.

Within 24 hours of the signs being up, someone had removed them.

Terry Gasnier, Jersey Water’s Facilities Manager said it is disappointing.

“While we know visitors have only good intentions when feeding the wildlife, it sadly causes more harm than good. Giving wild birds and animals food that we eat upsets nature’s balance and disrupts their natural feeding habits.

"Leftover food also attracts increased numbers of rats and other vermin to the reservoir, which poses a contamination risk to water quality and public health.

"Our priority is to always protect water quality right the way from the reservoir to people’s taps.

"We absolutely want people to enjoy the natural beauty of our reservoirs but to do so without interfering with the wildlife, natural environment and water quality.”

Whoever took them is being asked to return them before further action is taken.

Anyone with information about the missing signs can contact the Customer Services team (01534) 707300.