The Friends of Ilkley Moor are trying to discourage the public from feeding the ducks on the Tarn.
The reason for this is the large number of ducks have polluted the Tarn to the extent that it is now completely devoid of any other life.
In its natural state, say the Friends of Ilkley Moor [FoIM], the Tarn could support a pair of ducks. Currently there are up to 100 ducks on the Tarn. And the reason is simple, it is because of people feeding them. The number of ducks is simply controlled by the amount of food on offer. The more people feed the ducks, the more ducks will congregate there. And, after they have eaten the food, they jump back in the water and poo. This is now a major source of pollution and has rendered the Tarn unable to support any aquatic life. In addition, the ducks have eaten every shred of pond weed.
Owen Wells, Chair of FoIM, said:
“30 years ago the Tarn was an important breeding place for frogs and toads. On a Spring evening there were toads everywhere. Now there are none. The ducks have so polluted the water and have eaten the toad and frog spawn and tadpoles, so that there are now very few, if any, of these amphibians. We want to bring life back to the Tarn and that can only be done if the number of ducks is greatly reduced.”
“We are not killjoys, we know that feeding ducks is a great pleasure for small children, we only ask that they should be fed by the river, where the flow of water washes away their poo.
"So please feed the ducks by the river and not at the Tarn. Let us bring back the frogs and toads and sticklebacks to this beautiful stretch of water on the Moor.”
Ilkley Pre-School faces closure without urgent financial lifeline
MP shares update on redevelopment of Airedale Hospital
Age UK shop is Ilkley appeals for donations as stocks are low
Fuggle & Golding saved by Horsforth Brewery
Joanna seeks life-extending treatment after brain tumour diagnosis
Winners revealed for Ilkley Business Awards 2026
Airedale Hospital charity hits the road for its fifth annual World Book Day adventure
Yorkshire Water, what is happening behind all those blue hoardings?
Ilkley Cemetery's Beanlands Parade gates repairs
Local MP backs campaign to protect affordable residential experiences for young people
Claire Baxter Gallery announces closure in Ilkley
Ilkley's Annual Town Meeting and Citizen Awards 2026
Outside the Box and Ilkley Live make music together
New drone will be used 'wherever it is needed' to stop fly tipping
Calendar of events announced at Burley-in-Wharfedale Community Trust AGM
Experience the magic of opera at charity gala in Ilkley
Your Local Experiences earns thousands for local businesses in first month
Four Ilkley businesses in finals of Leeds Oliver Awards 2026
Ilkley Wharfedale Rotary involved with eradicating Polio worldwide
International Women’s Day talk to celebrate ‘Brilliant Bradford Lasses’
