A-Z of parks - W

Everyone loves to feed the ducks and other wildlife. Unfortunately foods, such as bread, pollute the water and spilt food attracts rats. Bread is also not the healthiest food for ducks. Mixed grain, suitable for poultry is far better for the birds, but remember not too much - the rats love it too.

Feeding ducks grain based duck food can also reduce pollution to the water.

Sometimes you will see wildlife with injuries. This could be due to attack from another animal, road injury or it may just be a problem from birth or old age. Although it may be upsetting to see, it may cause more distress to the creature if you try to capture it. There are no council animal rescue centres but here are some general guidelines for dealing with injured wildlife.

• Does it actually need human intervention? Often young birds in particular may leave the nest before being able to fly. These are usually looked after by their parents who will continue to feed them until they develop their flight skills. By 'rescuing' such fledglings they will no longer have the chance to be reared naturally and will be at a disadvantage if they are hand-reared and released into the wild. This in itself is a very time-consuming and tricky process that often results in the bird not surviving due to inappropriate, although well-meaning care. If you find such a bird and it is at risk due to its location or nearby predators such as cats it is best to move it carefully to a nearby dense vegetation or similar cover where it is less obvious but can still be cared for by its parents
• If the animal is still able to fly or run, you will cause it great distress by trying to capture it. Whilst an animal is still mobile, it is best left alone. However,  report it to parks and open spaces and staff working in that area will keep an eye on it. While they are still able to feed, animals are best left alone. In many cases, if there is no visible injury or wound, it may be that the animal is just 'under the weather' and it would be best to leave the animal to recover in a sheltered spot
• If an animal is obviously sick or injured it should be taken to the vet. There are no council veterinary facilities. Many vets will treat wildlife for free - although it may be that the treatment is euthanasia. Often animals that are treated for severe injury or illness and then released back into the wild are unable to compete successfully for food and territory and may suffer as a result
• Certain animals cannot legally be released back into the wild. Animals that are classified as pests such as crows, rats, squirrels and pigeons are not allowed to be put back into the wild once in captivity as this is against the law. This would mean that if such creatures are 'rescued', they must then be kept in captivity for as long as they are alive
• Injured or sick animals can potentially be aggressive or dangerous and may carry disease. Do not put yourself at risk.

For further information about local wildlife contact The Hawthorn Urban Wildlife Centre. Email hawthorns@southampton.gov.uk