A council said the drainage would be better for the environment in the long run
The drainage has led to some swans and ducks becoming stuck(Image: Cheryl Martins)
A Nottinghamshire wildlife charity has accused a council of “decimating” the habitat around a pond by draining it during nesting season.
A body of water at Pleasley Vale Business Park was emptied by Bolsover District Council (BDC) almost two weeks ago as part of what it said was a “major programme of improvement works”.
Concerns have been raised about the timing of the move, which coincides with the beginning of the bird nesting season and the migration of frogs and toads.
Cheryl Martins, who runs Mansfield Wildlife Rescue, said it was “heartbreaking to see” the barren bed, which has led to some swans and ducks becoming stuck.
“It’s totally decimated down there. I can’t get my head round why they’ve done it at this time of year,” said the 57-year-old.
“I know these works need to be done, but the biggest concern is they’ve not stuck to current guidelines.”
Bolsover council said specialist ecologists and environmental contractors were carrying out the works, which are the second phase of a programme aimed at improving biodiversity and reducing the risk of flooding.
The authority’s leader, Jane Yates, said the works had “brilliantly” struck the balance of the needs of both residents and wildlife.
However, Ms Martins said the pond’s drainage had effectively destroyed the habitat, leading to an increase in calls to her charity.
“We’ve had a lot of calls about it, which means it’s causing concern. We’ve had dog walkers calling, saying they’re distraught at seeing how the swans and ducks are,” she said.
“We’re going to lose a full year of new baby swans and ducks. The fish have disappeared, and I don’t know where they’ve gone.
The pond was drained almost two weeks ago(Image: Cheryl Martins)
“It’s just a bare, barren island with three trees on it. There are a few little streams coming down, but no substantial water in which they can swim.
“Long term, it may recover, but it will take a while. It’s all got to grow back. Short term it’s affecting the bird nesting season. Sadly, the damage has been done.”
Cllr Yates, leader of BDC, said: “It is vitally important that we balance the needs of the environment with the needs of our tenants and users of the mills. The course of action taken has struck that balance brilliantly and I believe the outcome will be beneficial to all.”
The authority said the works, which also include repairs to a dam wall and vegetation clearance, will “provide significant enhancements to the ecology and biodiversity around the site”.
“The long-term plan for the water course is to ensure future wildlife thrives around the site,” it said.
“…investment into these improvements will help protect the businesses and residents based at Pleasley Vale and the surrounding areas from the impacts of extreme weather.