say no to bread
I Guess You’ve Found One Of Our QR Codes Then?
Thank you for taking the time to click the QR code and reading this information. I’m Jim also known as the Canoe River Cleaner and my mission is simple, to get the message to as many people as possible to try and eradicate the age old tradition of feeding bread to our ducks and swans.
Why do we say no to bread, and is there an exception?
It’s Simply Not Good For Them.
The natural diet of ducks and other waterfowl is aquatic vegetation such as pond weed, seeds, insects, worms, small water snails and amphibians, and even crustaceans such as crayfish.
White bread offers little in the way of nutrition and simply acts as a filler. Whilst it may not seem harmful the low nutritional value can lead to serious vitamin deficiencies*
VERY Important disclaimer…..
*This is of course in extreme cases and it is important to remember that this information is not area specific. For example, in a pond where swans and other wildfowl have become used to being fed there can also be serious consequences if we simply stop feeding them, especially in the winter months. As a last resort and so long as it’s not their main source of food bread is ok particularly brown seeded and certainly not mouldy.
The milder months give enough natural food to keep them well fed. That said, we all love to take the children along to our ponds and rivers to feed them but whilst it’s ok to supplement their natural diet, we need to do this wisely. The picture below courtesy of Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue shows what can be safely given albeit in small quantities. Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue are an excellent group and rely solely on donations to do their tireless work for wildlife, so for further information and to throw them a few shillings please click the link above.
What’s That Awful Green Stuff?
Each year when the weather gets warmer and the conditions are right (or wrong) the algae comes! Whilst it can be an important habitat for various species, the bloom that occurs can be extremely harmful. We tend to see this on straighter parts of the river where there is little movement and where the fast growing common reed offer themselves as anchor points. It can very quickly stop the flow, reduce light levels under the water and deplete the dissolved oxygen required by many species to survive.
What Can We Do To Help?
Algae blooms may also occur due to excessive nutrients that enter our watercourse from various points and the humid conditions make it difficult to manage, but keeping food waste to a minimum will have a positive impact as it reduces the amount of food required for it’s growth.
It’s worth noting that what we see is not the more harmful blue/green algae (cyanobacteria) but please contact myself or the Environment Agency if you have concerns.
*It is important to report environmental incidents or issues including blue green algae blooms or pollution to the Environment Agency on 0800 80 70 60*
And Also…….
‘Check, Clean, Dry’ every time we leave a lake, stream or pond, to help stop the spread of invasive plants and animals in our waters. Freshwater invasive non-native species are able to ‘hitchhike’ on our equipment, footwear, clothing and boats and if they become established in a new waterbody, can often have devastating effects.
The Environment Agency
So Not Throwing Bread In Will Help?
Absolutely. Excess bread simply falls to the bottom of the river or pond bed and decomposes, using vital oxygen and reducing nutrients into the water that in turn feed the algae. Furthermore the droppings of the wildfowl increase causing slip hazards on paths and banks. Always feed the birds in the water as it is safer for them and avoids unnecessary contact with humans, and only give them food when they are actively feeding.
The Canoe River Cleaner And His Team Will Always Help
It’s never easy but each year we do our best to sensitively deal with algae blooms, providing safe passage for the ducks, swans, geese etc and to give the river chance to breathe providing a healthy habitat for fish and other wildlife that call it home. We also periodically donate correct food to local schools in the area (provided by Haith’s to promote good practice. If you would like to help us continue to do this then please CLICK THIS LINK
‘THE’ Finest Wildfowl Feed!
I’m fortunate to have the renowned and extremely well respected Haith’s in my home town so i know that the alternative to bread that i recommend is correct.
Plain and simple this is all you need, and you can be assured of the quality….
