Flickr: SigmaEye
A nest of coots has been destroyed on the River Lea in Hackney, according to the RSPB.
The nest and family were located on the River Lea adjoining Millfields Park, off the busy Leabridge Road.
“This incident has shocked and dismayed local park users and residents,” said RSPB London spokesman Tim Webb. “It’s a park I know well and use with my family as we live nearby. A lot of effort has gone in to improving it over the past five years and this vile act is just so completely removed from the ethos and pride shown by all those who’ve contributed to that improvement, that it seems wholly alien.”
Hackney residents are being urged to help catch those responsible for the death of the family of coots. If caught, the perpetrators could face up to a six month imprisonment and fines of £5,000 per offence, due to that fact that coots are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Tim Webb is particularly keen for those responsible to be caught: “These incidents, and the recent destruction of some swans eggs further down the river near Leabank Square, are repugnant criminal acts. I’d urge all park and river-path users to help us stamp out this barbaric behaviour.”
The incident has been recorded by the RSPB’s Investigations Unit and anyone with information should contact Hackney Police or can submit reports to the RSPB via their online reporting form
