Wildlife fear as water level falls

She said Canada geese had produced six goslings, although one of the goslings had disappeared.

Colin said the lake’s water quality didn’t appear to have been adversely affected by the low level of water. “One of the problems with the low water level is if people are feeding the ducks with the wrong food, all the bread isn’t diluted.”

Diane is worried what might happen if the warm weather continues for much longer.

“What will this be like if we go another month without rain?” she said. “People are treating it (the lake) well. I’ve not seen people feeding bread and chapattis.”

Kirklees Council has reassured bird lovers, saying that “nature is pretty resilient.”

Karl Battersby, strategic director for the economy and infrastructure, said: “Due to the hot dry weather the water levels in all our ponds have dropped, which makes the pond look darker. However they remain clean and safe for the ducks and other wildlife that use them.

“It is not considered good practice to use mains water to fill established ponds as it can impact on the PH and nutrient levels which could increase algae and impact on the ecosystems that have developed in the ponds.

“Nature is pretty resilient and wildlife will only stay where conditions are suitable. Should conditions deteriorate they would no doubt travel elsewhere to find suitable habitat, and return once the levels rise again.

“We will monitor the situation and if there are issues with creatures that cannot move to another site we will take appropriate action.”