Doncaster park in cash plea to public after duck deaths tragedy

Volunteers at a Doncaster park are calling for public help to raise nearly £1,000 to buy life-saving equipment after a virus killed 100 ducks.
More than 100 ducks died at Sandall Park.More than 100 ducks died at Sandall Park.
More than 100 ducks died at Sandall Park.

Dozens of birds died from an outbreak of avian botulism at Sandall Park after rotting vegetation in the lake caused by the recent heatwave poisoned them.

Now park volunteers are calling on the public to support their campaign to buy specialist equipment to prevent a repeat of this summer's tragedy.

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The Friends of Sandall Park, the voluntary organisation which looks after the park, has bought an aerator in a bid to put extra oxygen into the water for the animals.

But the £925 cost of the equipment has hit the group's small funds - and now they are calling on the public to dig deep and help.

Spokesman Sandra Crabtree said: "After a recent incidence of avian botulism in the lake causing the death of a large number of ducks, it is necessary to get an aerator to encourage movement in the water, to improve the water quality.

"This will improve the overall health of the lake itself, and have a positive effect on the health of the ducks and other wildlife in the park.

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"Due to the terrible situation with the condition of the lake, and the devastating impact it had on our duck population, it has been necessary to purchase the aerator to pump the water round the lake.

"This is in addition to the existing fountain which couldn't cope with the entire lake.

"The cost has severely depleted our funds which are used to regenerate the park.

"All our funds go back in to the park - we donated over £4,000 to the Woodland Adventure Play area phase 1 and substantial amounts to other play areas.

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"If you witnessed the plight of the ducks - and even if you didn't - we hope you will help us in our quest to recoup some of this cost."

The park's lake was sealed off and visitors warned to stay away while tests were carried out to determine the cause of the outbreak.

You can donate to the appeal HERE