Two ornithologists consulted by the village’s Flood Action Group have poured cold water on the idea of reintroducing ducks on the beck. They were consulted after an overwhelming vote in favour of bringing back ducks held on the village Facebook Group back in July. But the ornithologists, who have asked to remain anonymous, say there are a host of practical problems with the idea. As a result of the advice, the Action Group has decided not to take the plan any further.

Their advice included the following observations –

• The ducks previously on the beck roosted and had a safe haven on the island of the pond at Ings lane farm where they were fed and looked after. Without that they would be susceptible to, and would encourage predators, including cats, foxes and rats.
• Reintroducing ducks might lead to a high degree of hybridation with farm (white) ducks so mallard species would quickly disappear.
• The danger of high levels of bird flu and the likelihood of plenty of dead ducks to fish out and remove.
• Feeding ducks encourages vermin, particularly rats.
• Racecourse wetland and other nearby wetlands are more suitable nearby habitat so they may just go there.
• In general, if birds are not naturally making somewhere a habitat it isn't suitable for them. There are many sites nearby where they flourish eg. the Ings down Ings lane plus a lot of nearby wetlands.
• In a nearby village where there are 40+ ducks on the pond, which is unsuccessfully managed, the water is green the ducks dirty and the village divided over what to do about it.
• There are enough Mallard ducks in the area so there is no conservation value.
• Ducks have no road sense and our water course is next to the road so cars and other road users will need to brake or squash them, either way it is a hazard and a mess when they get squashed.
• Dog walking becomes a hazard as owners will need to control the dogs.

Oliver Clarkson from the Flood Action Group said “We know some people may be disappointed that the reintroduction of ducks won’t be happening. It’s been worthwhile investigating the idea properly and to have reached a conclusion based on expert evidence. We hope villagers will understand and I’m sure would agree that they wouldn’t want to see ducks on the beck if the project wouldn’t be sustainable and good for both the village and the ducks.”