Ducks in waste ridden water near Strathclyde Loch

Jan 7 2009 By Richard Mooney

Another duck at the waste in the boons.

THE HEALTH of Strathclyde Park’s aquatic wildlife has come into question after pictures taken by the Advertiser showed vast amounts of waste in loch ‘booms’.

The photographs, which can be viewed here, show ducks swimming through the waste ridden water and into the loch.

Pictured are two booms which run across the mouth of the River Calder and into the Loch.

The booms have been in place for the past 33 years to catch spillages and rubbish from getting into the loch or the River Clyde.

George Simpson, Park Manager said that while it’s not unusual for waste to build up in these parts, he admitted it was disappointing to see rubbish in the water.

He said: “While it’s not unusual for rubbish to accumulate at the loch, it’s very disappointing to see litter in the water. 

“Strathclyde Park is a first-class attraction and we would again urge the small minority who think nothing of disposing of their litter irresponsibly, to think again.  “

“Don’t ruin the park for visitors and the wildlife.”

Mr Simpson added that the booms have been running ‘effectively’ for 33 years and that the loch is inspected on a daily basis with the booms being cleared ‘when required’.

A spokesperson for the Scottish Wildlife Trust said after seeing the photos: “Whilst the Scottish Wildlife Trust recognises that great improvements have been made in improving water quality over recent years, we are saddened that the continuing problem of fly tipping and the littering of rivers and burns continues to blight wildlife habitats, particularly in urban areas.”

“Good water quality is vital to the wellbeing of aquatic wildlife, not just to the animals you can see such as birds, water voles and otters.  Many species of insects also live in our rivers and ponds, under the water and the wildflowers that grow along their banks.