31 August 2023
Further to our news in April, that the Wild Carp Trust has ended its lease at Cowslip Pool due to nitrate pollution caused by ducks, we are sad to report that several hundred ducks have been put down again at Cowslip for the upcoming shooting season.
Water tests reveal a complete absence of aquatic life (Cowslip was previously rich in daphnia, bloodworm and shrimp). Nitrate levels have dropped from 250 mg/litre (toxic) to 25-50 mg/litre (borderline toxic), although this was after recent heavy rain.
The Trust’s position remains: that Cowslip is not a viable conservation pool while it is polluted and until such time as we are guaranteed that no ducks will be put down in the vicinity.
