Urgent calls to protect wildlife in Abbey Grounds Park

The lake in Abbey Grounds Park in Cirencester is home to an array of birds - including the beloved one-eyed 'Daddy swan' and Hank the goose - and a group of animal lovers are worried about their welfare.

Over the last month residents have witnessed dogs attacking birds in the park, cannabis parties near the river and one spotted a drunk man jumping into the lake. 

In addition, last Friday (June 16) a group of teenagers wearing balaclavas were caught throwing items at birds in the lake.

Ducklings in Abbey Grounds Park in Cirencester (Image: Elizabeth Ellis)

A Facebook group called Save Cirencester Swans & Wildlife (Abbey Grounds) - which now has more than 900 members - has been set up to protect the wildlife in the park.

Members of the group walk around the park daily to check on the birds and share testimonies of anti-social behaviour on the page.

Many have witnessed dogs attacking birds in the lake and are urging Cirencester Town Council to put up keep dogs on the lead signs and nesting signs to protect the birds in the park by the lake.

A spokesperson for Save Cirencester Swans & Wildlife (Abbey Grounds) said: "I have lived in Cirencester for the last 13 years and the lake in Abbey Grounds Park is a godsend, it is a joy to walk around.

"However, we do not believe that Cirencester Town Council are doing enough to protect the wildlife in the lake.

"I have seen birds get attacked or be disturbed by dogs on numerous occasions.

"Last week I saw a dog owner throw a ball at a group of ducklings and the screams that came from the nest were horrendous.

"Sadly the only swan left  in the park is daddy swan who is missing an eye due to a dog attack a couple of years ago.

The only remaining swan in Abbey Grounds Park (Image: Elizabeth Ellis)

"I have urged the council to put keep dogs on the lead signs and nesting signs near the lake but they keep pushing it back.

"This is a recurring issue which needs to be addressed this summer."

Cirencester Town Council has assured residents that plans to tackle anti-social behaviour in the town's open spaces are in action.

They hope to introduce park rangers and a public realm team by July.

Town council CEO Andrew Tubb said: "The purpose of the park rangers is to have more of a visible presence in our parks and open spaces, providing the public with an on the ground point of contact.

"The public realm team will respond to any issues identified by the park rangers and will be responsible for activities such as removing graffiti, cleaning bus shelters, removing fly posters and litter picks."

"We are aiming to have three members of staff in each team.

"Regarding wildlife in the Abbey Grounds, we are looking to raise awareness of these issues and have wildlife monitor volunteers, who will share information with the public on our behalf and will be able to let the park rangers know of any concerns."