Residents ‘shocked and horrified’ as 10 dead ducks found in Clapton Pond

Hackney residents expressed their “shock and horror” on social media this week after seeing a number of dead ducks in Clapton Pond.

Having received the alert, council parks officers removed 10 of the deceased birds from the pond, the water of which is now being tested by the Town Hall.

It is understood that the birds will now be sent to the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs for examination, which is standard procedure when finding anything over five bodies in incidents such as this.

Resident Ryan Cahill said: “There were dead ducks everywhere. Some in the pond, and around the pond and around the path.

“I thought at first they were sleeping, but when I looked closer I knew they were dead.

“I knew it wasn’t a fox or other animal because there was no blood or feathers.”

According to the RSPB, avian botulism resulting from algal blooms is a common cause of death for birds, particularly at this time of year.

It is understood the council have been taking action to remove algae as recently as the beginning of the month from the pond.

Ian Rathbone, chair of the Clapton Pond Neighbourhood Action Group (CPNAG), said: “I’ve asked for tests to be done of the water and as far as I understand there is no threat to human beings.

“People should be aware not to touch any dead ducks if they find any, and as is standard not to swim or drink from the pond, and to make sure their dogs don’t as well.

“There are fish still swimming around in the pond, so it sounds as though it is relatively safe, but obviously we are concerned.

“The Royal Veterinary College are doing an examination of one of the ducks to find the cause of death.”

The pond, which has existed since the 1600s, was derelict in 2002 and was even named as one of London’s 100 Grot Spots, according to CPNAG.

Residents along with the action group subsequently raised funds in order to restore it, pay for a bridge and a fountain, and install Hackney’s first all-wood playground nearby.

Cllr Feryal Clark, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care, Leisure and Parks, said: “Sadly our parks team had to remove ten ducks that were found dead at Clapton Pond on Tuesday morning.

“We know this will be upsetting to local residents who care deeply about the pond and the birds that use it.

“We have alerted both the RSPB and RSPCA, are testing the water in the pond, and have sent a number of the birds for testing to establish the cause.”