New 'Feed the Ducks' Initiative Promotes Healthy Feeding Habits for Local Wildlife

Ards and North Down Borough Council is excited to announce the installation of a new bird feeder at Ward Park, Bangor, following the success of a similar feeder at Kiltonga Wildlife Reserve, Newtownards. This initiative is part of ongoing research to promote and benefit local wildlife.

The 'Feed the Ducks' initiative allows visitors to feed wild birds healthily and sustainably. Unlike bread, which is often fed to ducks but lacks nutritional value, the feeder provides a varied diet essential for the birds' health. Bread can fill a duck's stomach, preventing it from foraging for its natural diet and potentially leading to malnutrition.

In addition to providing nutritious feed, the feeder offers educational information, particularly beneficial to young residents eager to learn about wildlife. The initiative was reported to the Council in December 2022 and has since gained popularity.

The modest income generated from the feeder is reinvested into the Parks and Cemeteries Service within the Council to support similar future projects.

Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Alistair Cathcart, expressed his delight:

"I am delighted the feeder at Ward Park, Bangor has proved to be so popular since its installation in September 2024. It provides quality, nutritious feed that is healthy for local wildlife and helps to reduce the amount of overfeeding. The feed is dispensed to hand so it can help reduce plastic litter waste too.

"This is a fantastic initiative and one which has real benefits for our local wildlife and the environment. I trust the feeder will continue to grow in popularity in the coming months, as milder weather encourages more residents in the Borough to make use of our parks and outdoor spaces.

"Thanks once again to all those involved in implementing this feeder. I trust it will continue to be enjoyed by residents, young and old for many years to come."