Dumping ground for dead birds discovered in Bournemouth park
Several dead birds, which appear to be crows, were found piled up at the site located near Kings Park Bowls Club — it is not known how the birds died at this stage, however, eyewitness accounts from previous incidents suggest the birds are being shot.
The Echo was first made aware of the dead birds in June after being contacted by members of the Bowls Club, who made the discovery alongside the remains of a dead cat and human waste — now this week (August) more dead birds have been found at the same site.
Speaking in June, Martin Strudwick, a member of Kings Park Bowls Club, said: “To see bird carcasses piled up behind the trees is just abhorrent.
“It is unacceptable, unhealthy, and just encourages more bad behaviour.
Martin Strudwick (right) and another Kings Park Bowls Club member (Image: NQ)
Several dead birds have been 'piled up' at a dumping ground near the bowls club (Image: Ben Sturt)
“I do not know if these birds have been poisoned or shot, but if it is the former, imagine if a dog started chewing on their remains — they would also get poisoned.
“I find the whole situation enormously offensive — it cannot persist.”
The Echo understands that some park-users have engaged with the van-dwellers near the Bowls Club, after it was claimed they were responsible for the dump.
This is not the first time dead birds have been found in Kings Park.
Last summer, several residents posted on social media after they found remains in different locations across the park.
Alan, a dog-walker, was one of those who made the gruesome discovery.
He said: “After my dog passed away, I would go to the park and feed the crows.
“I became familiar with one crow that kept coming back for food, it had a distinctive look and was quite large — weeks later I found the same bird shot dead.
A dead bird found in Kings Park last summer (Image: Alan)
Alan made several shocking discoveries last year (Image: Alan)
“I was told by a fellow dog-walker that they saw gypsies shooting the crows.
“They said the gypsies were driving around Kings Park in a four-by-four shooting birds with what appeared to an air rifle or pellet gun.
“It makes me feel sick to think that people could do that and be so cruel.”
Councillor Andy Hadley, BCP Council Cabinet Member for Climate Response, Environment and Energy, said: “We have not received any reports regarding dead birds at Kings Park and have no evidence to indicate how they died or who may be responsible.
“Any dead wildlife found on council land should be reported to us via Report a dead animal | BCP so it can be investigated and removed where necessary.
“Under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, it is an offence to intentionally harm or interfere with certain wildlife. If anyone has evidence of criminal activity, they should report it to the police.
“The unauthorised encampment remains on site, and council officers are continuing to follow the appropriate legal process in line with established procedures.”
