3.5 million loaves of bread thrown into waterways every year

The Canal and River Trust – which looks after more than 2,000 miles of waterways – said people should offer healthier treats such as seeds, lettuce and peas when they feed the birds.

It said there had been an 11 per cent drop in people feeding bread to waterbirds over the last year after it started to spread the healthy food message.

The number of people offering seeds, fruit and vegetables to greedy beaks doubled.

It is estimated that round 3.5 million loaves of bread are still being thrown into canals, rivers, ponds and lakes every year which is polluting the environment. 

The charity said uneaten soggy bread can cause a build-up of bad nutrients which can lead to greater algae growth, spread disease and encourage pests such as rats. 

Jonathan Hart Woods, environment manager for the Canal and River Trust, said: “We’re really pleased with the public response to our campaign so far and the way people in Yorkshire are changing their duck feeding habits.

“However, there is still work to be done and still too much bread is being dumped in the waterways.

“We need more people to get the word out and encourage everyone to feed the ducks sensibly.

“If everyone avoids going to the same duck-feeding hotspots and exercises portion control that would also make a big difference.”

People can get a free booklet with tips on the right food to feed waterfowl from the charity by texting QUEST to 70123.

For more information visit www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/ducks.