A kingfisher has died due to an oil spill in Stonehouse, raising concerns about wildlife safety and environmental negligence.
Stonehouse: It’s been a tough time for the wildlife around here. A dredger sank in the canal, and it’s been leaking oil for weeks. Sadly, a kingfisher was found dead, covered in oil. It’s heartbreaking.
Rozy Jarrett, a local, mentioned that the dredger went down on December 3. She’s seen the oil spreading, and it’s really affecting the area. Someone reported it to the Environment Agency right away, but nothing seems to have been done.
The dredger sank under the Ocean Jubilee Rail bridge, right near a nature reserve. Swans, otters, and various birds, including kingfishers, call this place home. It’s a vital habitat.
Rozy and her partner walk by the canal every morning. She said the oil spill has been a mess since it started. They tried to help the kingfisher but couldn’t reach it in time. It’s so sad to think about its mate searching for it.
She believes if the spill had been cleaned up sooner, that kingfisher would still be alive. It’s been weeks, and the situation is just getting worse.
The Cotswold Canals Trust is aware of the issue and is working on a recovery plan for the dredger. They’re trying to manage the situation with help from local wildlife groups and other agencies.
However, the dredger is in a tricky spot under a railway bridge, making recovery difficult. They’re coordinating with various parties to figure out the best way to handle it.
Since the incident, volunteers have been checking the area regularly. They’ve been using booms to contain the oil, but recent heavy rain might have disturbed some of it, causing more to leak out.
They’re committed to keeping an eye on the site and have plans for further clean-up efforts. The community is being kept in the loop about the recovery process, and they appreciate everyone’s patience during this tough time.
