New ramp at Elemore to save ducklings in a flap

Residents walking on the former golf course noticed that a group of ducklings were getting stuck due to the high sides surrounding the pond, and were unable to get onto dry land.

Walkers advised Sunderland City Council of the problem and environmental services officers quickly came to the rescue, installing a temporary ramp to allow the birds to get in and out of the pond easily.

The 60-hectare site of the former Elemore Golf Club is currently being fully redeveloped into an eco-park with new cafe, garden, and visitor centre. The temporary soil ramp installed for the ducklings will be replaced with a more permanent solution as part of the development later this year.

Sandra Mitchell, Assistant Director of Community Resilience at Sunderland City Council, said: "As we progress with work to transform and redevelop the site of the former golf club, we are conscious of taking care of the landscape and protecting the significant wildlife that lives in it.

"When we heard reports of the new ducklings getting stuck in the pond, we wanted to move quickly to ensure we could make the environment as safe and suitable for them as possible. I'd like to thank the residents who alerted us to the problem so we could work to find a temporary solution to ensure the future safety of wildlife while the work on the site is ongoing.

"As we move into nesting season for the ducks and swans, I would also like to remind those enjoying the area to keep their dogs on leads around the ponds."

Planning applications are currently progressing for the change of use to the current building on the Elemore site, as well as creating additional garden centre outbuildings, improving car parking and carrying out wider landscape works.

After gathering thoughts and comments from local residents as part of the Let's Talk Elemore consultation, the proposed community space will be accessible and will support residents and communities, while the garden centre and café will support training for adults with disabilities.

As part of its community wealth building strategy to keep wealth in local communities, the city council is planning to work with local suppliers and contractors wherever possible to make sure that funding generated through the project is retained within the city.

For more information on the Elemore redevelopment, visit: Let's Talk Elemore - Sunderland City Council