Swans and other wildlife are getting covered in oil. Photo: Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust
RSPCA and Environment Agency (EA) officers have been at the Deeping Lakes today attempting to rescue the swans.
So far they have managed to capture and clean up three swans before taking them to the RSPCA East Winch Wildlife Centre for treatment.
A spokesperson for the RSPCA said: “Around 25 swans have been affected. Three swans have been caught so far today and are being transferred to RSPCA East Winch Wildlife Centre for treatment.
“Many of the birds are still able to fly but we will continue to rescue as many of those contaminated over the coming days as possible.”
There are a lot of swans covered in oil. Photo: RSPCA
The EA found 25 litre oil drums in the river when they were called, thought to have been dumped into the river from the bridge in Peakirk.
A spokesperson for the EA told Lincolnshire Reporter: “Our teams have used booms and boats in the clean-up and are assisting the RSPCA in rescuing and caring for a number of swans and other birds which have been affected.
“No one wants to see wildlife and their habitats suffer as a result of pollution, which is why we work so hard to prevent it, and hold to account those who cause it.”
The shocking discovery was made by a dog walker, who raised the alarm after seeing the swans in a distressed state.
Dumped oil in river next to nature reserve at #peterborough is keeping us, @EnvAgencyMids & LWT very busy! Many birds contaminated but most still able to fly off, frustrating rescue efforts. 3 #swans rescued today, we will be doing regular checks over next few weeks #wildlife 🦆 pic.twitter.com/pgMGNPbWKQ
Lots of people were furious to see pictures of the swans covered in oil, with many calling for those responsible to clean the river.
Gavin Smith said: “It’s so horrible that someone would do that, why throw them in the river which would kill fish and a whole array of other animals when you could just of left them by the side of the road?
“I know that’s not what you should do with them but better that than kill innocent animals.”
The EA have been collecting drums of oil from the water. Photo: The Environment Agency
While Barbara Piercy wrote: “The person or persons who carried out such a thoughtless act need to be tracked down and made to help clean the poor wildlife they have tried to destroy.
“There has to be other animals damaged or killed besides the swans. I find it so sad that someone would do that to such beautiful creatures.”
Experts anticipate that more sick and distressed birds will emerge over the next few days.
Any birds showing signs of sickness should be reported to the RSPCA on 0300 1234999.
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We are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after a collision caused serious injuries to a 23-year-old man.
Just before 3.30pm yesterday (2 July), we received reports of a collision on Barholm Road in Tallington. It involved a grey BMW 335D estate, a blue BMW 116D and an orange KTM motorcycle.
The motorcycle rider, a 23-year-old man, sustained serious injuries during the collision and was taken to hospital.
If you witnessed the incident and are yet to get in touch with us, please do so. If you have any other information or dashcam footage available that may have captured the road along the A1175 at the time of the collision, get in touch.
By calling 101 quoting incident 282 of 2 July.
By emailing [email protected] quoting incident 282 of 2 July in the subject line.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report via the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
The 2022 Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards are open for applications, and Destination Lincolnshire giving you the rare chance to co-create your application with Nell Barrington, a tourism awards veteran, who has helped hundreds of businesses write winning applications over the last 15 years – including national VisitEngland winners.
The Tourism Awards Masterclass is taking place on Tuesday 12 July at 11am for one-hour online. Laura Freer, Head of Marketing at Destination Lincolnshire said: “This is a golden opportunity, after years of hard work and heartache, to get your business and team recognised and rewarded.
“A well written application is key to achieving a coveted place on this year’s shortlist, and I’d encourage all tourism and visitor economy businesses who are thinking of entering – whether they are seasoned at writing award applications or not – to join us for this exclusive masterclass.
“Nell Barrington has worked with us and VisitEngland on the founding application processes of these awards, and she is perfectly placed to assist in co-creating applications that you can be proud of. This is a great opportunity for business development too – whether you are shortlisted for an award or not – discovering how to effectively apply for awards and talk up your business adds another string to your bow.
“Booking is essential and places are limited to just 35 – so be quick! This year we’ve made our masterclass available to partners and also to those who we are yet to work with for free. Call it an added bonus, after two years away from the awards circuit.
The awards masterclass is focussed on the application process, and it will spell out what the judges are looking for. You’ll learn how to make your application stand out from the local competition, helping your chances of going through to the national VisitEngland Awards in 2023.”
There are fifteen categories open for nominations from visitors attraction, accommodation providers, hospitality businesses and many more.
The deadline for nominations is July 29, with online judging starting on July 30 and mystery shopping from August 13. Finalists will be announced on Monday, August 15.
The awards ceremony will be held at the Engine Shed on October 21, and will be hosted by Lincs FM presenter, John Marshall.
The event is organised by Stonebow Media, publishers of The Lincolnite, to celebrate the best businesses in Greater Lincolnshire, alongside headline sponsors Lincoln College and Destination Lincolnshire.
We would also like to thank our other sponsors Visit Lincolnshire, Heart of Lincs, Duncan and Toplis and LNER, insight6 and EV Camel.
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