Our parks and green spaces are valuable places for relaxation, wildlife, and community wellbeing. To help keep them safe, clean, and thriving, we ask visitors to take care when interacting with wildlife especially when it comes to feeding birds and other animals.

Feeding ducks, geese and other wild birds can seem harmless, but it can also create problems for wildlife, residents and local parks. Leftover food and spilled seed may attract rats and other pests, especially near ponds, paths and benches.

Feeding wild fowl is not always illegal, but it can lead to overfeeding, fouling, poor water quality and pest issues. Rats are drawn to easy food sources, including bread, grain and any food left on the ground or in the water’s edge. In some places, large groups of birds also become dependent on food from visitors and gather in numbers that the habitat cannot support.

Why feeding can be harmful

• Unhealthy diets: Bread and processed foods lack essential nutrients and can harm birds’ health.
• Overcrowding: Feeding encourages large numbers of birds to gather in one place, increasing the spread of disease.
• Aggressive behaviour: Birds can become dependent on people and more aggressive when expecting food.
• Environmental impact: Leftover food can pollute waterways and damage habitats.

Better alternatives (if you choose to feed birds)

• Sweetcorn, oats, seeds, or frozen peas (defrosted)
• Feed only small amounts
• Scatter food on the ground or water, rather than in piles

Feeding wildlife can attract rats and pests

Leaving food in parks doesn’t just feed birds, it can attract unwanted pests.

Common issues caused by feeding

• Rats and mice are drawn to leftover food and scraps
• Increased pest populations near seating areas, bins, and waterways
• Health risks as rodents can carry diseases
• Damage to park infrastructure such as paths, benches, and planting

Even small amounts of food can lead to larger infestations over time.

How can you help

We all play a role in protecting our green spaces:

Do:

• Dispose of all food waste in designated bins
• Observe wildlife from a distance
• Follow on-site signage and guidance
• Teach children about responsible wildlife care

Don’t:

• Leave food on the ground or in the water
• Feed large quantities of food
• Dump household food waste in parks

Supporting healthy wildlife naturally

Our parks are designed to support wildlife in a balanced way:

• natural food sources like plants, insects, and aquatic vegetation provide proper nutrition
• habitats are managed to support diverse species
• keeping human food out helps maintain a healthy ecosystem

When to report a problem

Please report rat activity in parks, open spaces or around watercourses so we can investigate. If feeding is causing persistent mess, nuisance or pest activity, we may ask people to stop feeding in that area.

For help with rats or pest problems in council-managed areas, contact us.

Working together

By making small changes, we can:

• keep parks clean and enjoyable for everyone
• protect wildlife health and habitats
• reduce pests and associated risks