Duck Pond
Visitors entering the Green Space will be greeted by our family of resident ducks, moorhens and geese that call our Duck Pond their HOME😊. Many local residents including children come to feed these birds.
Feeding ducks the right food is important for their health and the environment.
Here are some of the best foods to offer them:
- Special Duck Food: commercial duck pellets (formulated specifically for ducks, providing balanced nutrition)
- Grains and Seeds: Cracked corn, oats (uncooked), barley, wheat, rice (cooked or uncooked)
- Vegetables and Fruits: Leafy greens (lettuce, kale, spinach), peas, (fresh or frozen, not canned), corn (fresh, frozen, or canned without added salt), cucumber, zucchini, broccoli, bell peppers, carrots (shredded), fruits (cut into small pieces, like apples without seeds, bananas, berries, melons, and grapes)
- Insects and Other Protein: mealworms (fresh or dried), crickets, earthworms
- Aquatic Plants: Duckweed, water lilies, pondweed
Foods to Avoid:
- Bread and Baked Goods: Bread can lead to malnutrition and is not a natural part of a duck’s diet.
- Salty Foods: Ducks cannot process high levels of salt, which can be harmful.
- Spoiled or Mouldy Food: These can cause serious health issues for ducks.
- Onions and Garlic: These can be toxic to ducks.
- Chocolate and Sweets: Harmful and potentially toxic to ducks.
- Citrus Fruits: Can interfere with calcium absorption, leading to thin-shelled eggs.
Feeding our birds with appropriate and nutritious food helps maintain their health and supports their natural feeding behaviours. It also prevents environmental issues caused by uneaten or inappropriate food.
The DBGS Duck Pond brings a multitude of benefits to our community, enriching the environment, promoting wellbeing, and fostering social interaction. Here are some key aspects:
- Environmental Education: The Duck Pond serves as educational resource, providing opportunities for the community, especially children, to learn about wildlife, ecosystems, and environmental stewardship.
- Wildlife Habitat: The Pond provides a habitat for ducks and other wildlife, promoting biodiversity. The water attracts various species of birds, insects, and plants, enhancing the local ecosystem.
- Recreational Space: The DBGS Duck Pond offers a peaceful setting for recreational activities such as walking, picnicking, birdwatching, and photography. It has become a focal point for community gatherings and events.
- Mental Health and Wellbeing: Being near water and watching wildlife can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Our Duck Pond provides a tranquil environment that encourages relaxation and mindfulness.
- Social Interaction: The Duck Pond provides a communal space where people can meet, interact, and engage in shared activities. This helps build a sense of community and fosters social cohesion.
- Aesthetic Appeal: A well-maintained duck pond enhances the beauty of our site, making the area more attractive to residents and visitors.
- Conservation Awareness: We want our Duck Pond to inspire interest in conservation efforts, encouraging the community to support and participate in initiatives aimed at preserving natural habitats and wildlife.
Overall, our Duck Pond has significantly enriched our community by providing educational, environmental, recreational, and social benefits, thereby enhancing the quality of life for local residents.
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Address
Dane Bank Green Space,
Windsor Fields,
off Windsor Road,
Denton