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Duckling Tragedy at Reservoir Sparks Outrage
13 Apr
Summary
- Seven ducklings were found dead near Scout Dyke reservoir.
- Ramps to prevent entrapment were not installed this year.
- Residents urge water company to address wildlife safety concerns.
A deeply distressing incident occurred near the Scout Dyke reservoir in South Yorkshire, where seven ducklings were found deceased. Local residents expressed shock and sorrow upon discovering the dead birds on Saturday.
These young waterfowl had apparently become trapped, a fate that concerned locals believe could have been averted. Ramps, previously installed by Yorkshire Water in 2022 to help ducklings escape the reservoir spillway, were not present this year. The water company cited high water levels as the reason for their absence.
Residents like Ajay and Len Batty, who have witnessed similar predicaments for years, are urging Yorkshire Water to reinstate the ramps. They emphasize the vulnerability of young ducklings, which struggle to swim and need solid surfaces to climb out of the water. While the company stated the ramps were removed for health and safety reasons, they have promised to re-install them once water levels drop sufficiently.
