Des res to lure Swaffham's pesky ducks

Eco-engineers have created a giant floating island to entice ducks away from neighbouring homes at Swaffham's Northwell Pool.As well as creating the 24-square-metre island, bio-engineering firm Verdant Solutions who are based in East Sussex has laid out 100 metres of vegetated fibre rolls around the edge of the pond, with various plants.

Eco-engineers have created a giant floating island to entice ducks away from neighbouring homes at Swaffham's Northwell Pool.

As well as creating the 24-square-metre island, bio-engineering firm Verdant Solutions who are based in East Sussex has laid out 100 metres of vegetated fibre rolls around the edge of the pond, with various plants.

The scheme features a range of aquatic plants and two purpose-built wooden houses for the duck population.

Norfolk County Council, Swaffham Town Council as well as Northwell Pool's owner, Anglian Water which backed the project hope its completion will allay concerns from residents who had previously complained about the ducks roaming into people's gardens.

Verdant eco-engineer Simon Peard said: “We have put in several different plant species which should greatly improve the appearance of the pond's edges. All the new species will provide a great habitat for wildlife to thrive.”

Local residents, environmental specialists and the police were among those consulted during the planning of the project.

Town council project grant support officer Dr David Bek said: “It is hoped that more work will be undertaken around the pond to further enhance its amenity value for residents and visitors.”

The town's mayor Shirley Matthews said the island was a “lovely feature.”