The Harwich Society volunteers who manage the Bobbit’s Hole nature reserve on Main Road in Dovercourt had a nasty shock when they arrived to open the reserve on Sunday morning.
The stream and the lake was coated in a film of grease and the ducks were frantically trying to clean the grease from their feathers.
It was immediately apparent that something had been poured into a drain or a roadside gulley that had drained into the lake and stream at Bobbit’s Hole.
Bobbit’s Hole volunteer, Aileen Farnell, says, “It was very concerning and we immediately contacted the Environment Agency who responded very quickly. They have identified the substance as an edible cooking oil which, whilst not toxic, has had a nasty impact on the lake and the wildlife.”
The Environment Agency is doing tests to try to fully identify the substance but is confident that, on this occasion, no lasting damage has been done.
“I’m sure that whoever poured this into a gulley or drain did not intend to cause a problem but we would urge everyone to avoid disposing of substances in this way,” continued Aileen Farnell. “A lot of drains and road gulleys drain into Bobbit’s Hole and the impact on the wildlife could be extremely damaging.”
For further information please contact:
Aileen Farnell on 01255 553610
Garry Calver on 01255 551940
