A farmer has spoken of his fears that antisocial river users are scaring or drowning local wildlife.
Daniel Bunting, who farms near Nayland in Suffolk, said most people using the River Stour are “respectful”, but some disturb wildlife with motorised boats or by turning up in large groups, speeding and playing music.
The 52-year-old said the 25ft wide (7.6m) stretch of water was not designed for crowds or fast-moving craft .
“We’re having boats on the river from first thing in the morning to last thing at night and they just don’t get any peace,” he said. “If you get a wake it would actually drown the kingfisher chicks because they’re in little holes in the bank. This year we haven’t got any.”