Regular users of Manor House Gardens will know there was an outbreak of botulism in the pond in late July, which sadly killed much of the wildlife there.  At last week’s Full Council meeting, I asked the relevant cabinet member for an update, and I’ve posted her reply below:

“During July this year a number of ponds and lakes in south east London, including the Tarn at Eltham, were affected by Avian Botulism, a bacteria that can kill wildfowl. Although the source of the outbreak was not Lewisham the lake at Manor House Gardens was affected. The disease can be spread by the wildfowl, often on their feet, into new ponds and lakes. Hot weather raises the water temperature which makes the silt temperature rise in turn giving the bacteria a better environment for it to multiply. This was compounded by the low water levels, due to lack of rain, and the unfortunate malfunction of the fountain which helps to aerate the lake. The lake is oxygenated by means of an aerator overnight and repairs were made to the pump to ensure the fountain was in working order.

I am aware that the outbreak caused great distress, not only for the wildfowl but for users of the gardens. The outbreak has raised the importance of checking the water quality on a regular basis, checking levels and reducing the amount of bread fed to the birds which exacerbates the problem. With this in mind we have focussed publicity on offering healthier options for the wildfowl such as grains, duck pellets and even defrosted frozen peas.

The outbreak has also raised the importance of good communications, both between Glendale’s site staff and management, Glendale and the Council and Glendale and the Park Users Group.

I am pleased to say that the lake has now recovered, and wildfowl have returned. The fountain is working and the aerator remains in operation overnight when the fountain is turned off for noise reasons. My officers will ensure that the condition of all ponds and lakes in our parks and open spaces are checked on a weekly basis during forthcoming summers, and daily during very warm conditions.”