SCOTTISH Conservative candidate for the Cowdenbeath ward, Darren Watt, is urging families visiting Lochore Meadows Country Park over the Easter weekend not to feed the ducks and swans bread, crisps and junk food.

Darren, who is standing in the upcoming Council elections said: “My family and I took a wee trip to the Meedies and I was astonished to see a family with two loaves of bread and a large bag of crisps feeding the ducks and swans.

"I thought it was common knowledge that bread is far from ideal for their diet and more suitable alternatives should be considered.

"Although feeding bread to swans is unlikely to cause any harm in the long term, wheat and vegetables, especially lettuce, spinach and potatoes, would be more beneficial for their health and well-being".

Darren added: "Bread for ducks though is especially no good. Bread lacks vital nutrients and vitamins for the ducks' development and can cause deformity, particularly with ducklings.

"Also it is incredibly calorific and if they are full up on bread, they will have little appetite to seek out more nutritious and healthier natural foods.

"Uneaten bread can go mouldy in the water and can make the birds very ill, especially if they eat it.

"Ducks really enjoy their greens such as lettuce, kale and rocket as well as seeds, rice and oats.

"They also love peas and sweetcorn so it could be an idea to buy them frozen and simply take the bag out the freezer next time you’re heading to the Meedies!

"I was disappointed to see there were no signs discouraging feeding the birds’ bread and other unsuitable food.

"I have got in touch with Fife Council urging them provide decent signage to help educate and inform visitors what we should feed the birds and what we shouldn’t. As a responsible society, it is up to us to care, love and protect these beautiful birds and their environment.”