Residents who want to help wildlife are being urged not to leave bread in Hackney’s parks.

Gardeners have recently found large amounts of bread at Clapton Pond, Stoke Newington Common and Springfield Park.

As well as being unsightly, bread and rolls can cause gut problems in birds. Bread also attracts other creatures, such as rats, and sometimes foxes. When bread is thrown in ponds it encourages algae to form, removing oxygen from the water, which is harmful to wildlife.

But there are plenty of ways to support birds in the borough. The Council is currently producing a biodiversity action plan, and there are opportunities for people to get involved.

Many of Hackney’s park user groups carry out activities to support the wildlife. Volunteers work in partnership with the Council to conserve, maintain and develop the parks. And simply hanging a bird feeder full of seeds and providing some water will attract birds to a garden. Providing natural plants will also encourage insects for birds to eat.

Councillor Jonathan McShane, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “The feeding of wildlife can, unintentionally, result in a number of harmful and unsightly side-effects. We are extremely proud of our parks and open spaces in Hackney, some of which have won green flags, and ask residents to work with us and support our efforts to protect and enhance the local environment.”

For more information or to get involved in the biodiversity plan, call: 020 8356 3438; email: kate.mitchell@hackney.gov.uk; or visit: www.hackney.gov.uk/biodiversity

To find a park user group visit: www.hackney.gov.uk/parks-user-group