Birds rescued as Carshalton ponds dry up for second time
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 27 Oct, 10:32 · Archive
Birds were rescued from dried-up ponds in Carshalton, south London, which have drained for the second time this year.
Birds were rescued from dried-up ponds in Carshalton, south London, which have emptied for the second time this year. Despite recent rainfall, only mud and a few centimetres of water remain in the ponds. Sutton Council emptied the upper pond in July to repair a leak, after which contractors worked to fix a leaking section of the pond's edge. SES Water was then due to refill it.
The ponds are fed by natural springs through a network of pipes and were lined with concrete in 1968. They are a well-known beauty spot and a source of the River Wandle. Vuki Popovic, a volunteer at The Swan Sanctuary, told the BBC that low water levels and stagnant water can produce toxins, and that fluctuating levels are leading to birds potentially being stranded and swans being unable to take off.
Sutton Council says drought is only part of the issue. Spencer Palmer, strategic director at Sutton Council, said the council is investigating to find a longer-term solution. Jake Short, Lib Dem councillor for Carshalton Central, explained that water is usually pumped into the ponds during dry periods, but this has not been possible during recent drought conditions. The Environment Agency says south London remains in drought, one level below its most serious category.
How it is being reported
- Birds rescued as London ponds dry up for second time this yearBirds had to be rescued from dried-up ponds in Carshalton, London, as water shortages threaten wildlife.Croydon Guardian · 27 Oct, 09:38
- Birds rescued as London ponds dry up for second time this yearBirds had to be rescued from dried-up ponds in Carshalton, London, as water shortages threaten wildlife.This Is Local London · 27 Oct, 09:38
In this story: Carshalton · London · Sutton Council · The Swan Sanctuary · River Wandle · Environment Agency · SES Water
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