Sandy Lane Park installs new solar-powered ‘Duck Feeder’

Visitors to Sandy Lane Park in Chester now have a new, sustainable way to feed the ducks, thanks to the installation of an innovative duck feeder, via the Feed Ducks Initiative.

The new feeder is being trialled with support from the Friends of Sandy Lane and is designed to promote responsible duck feeding by dispensing a special mix of food that is healthy for the ducks.

To use the feeder, visitors simply make a contactless payment, and the food is released, ready to be given to the ducks. This aims to discourage the harmful practice of feeding ducks bread, which can make them ill and pollute the water.

The Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Highways, Councillor Karen Shore said: 

“The duck feeder allows people to feed ducks sustainably and reduce the harmful impacts of feeding ducks bread. The unit is solar-powered, contactless, and made from 20,000 recycled plastic bottles. 

“Plus 10% of proceeds go to the local ‘Friends of’ group.  I’d like to say a big thank you to them for all their help.”

The Friends of Sandy Lane Park said:

“We were really pleased to be offered the opportunity to site one of the duck feeders at Sandy Lane Park – it exactly fits our ethos of benefitting the wellbeing of the local community and that, of course, includes the wildlife.” 

The project has been funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).  Charges are £1.50 for a regular amount and £3 for a large size serving.

Anyone with suggestions for potential future locations can email yourstreets@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.

For more information about the new Duck Feeder at Sandy Lane Park here.