A vending machine for ducks is to be installed at a country park so that the birds can eat healthily. Bury Council has agreed to the move at Burrs Country Park following a request from the ‘friends’ group of volunteers who care for the park.

They said many park visitors feed the ducks, but much of this food is bread, which is bad for the birds’ health and the water quality. The vending machine, which is solar powered, will be supplied by the national Feed The Ducks Initiative (FTDI) and fitted by the council.

The FTDI will maintain and replenish the unit with healthy food. The machines are free for councils to bring to their communities.

The unit will take contactless card payments and dispense a handful of duck food for £1, of which 90 per cent will cover FTDI’s running costs and 10 per cent will be given to the Friends of Burrs Country Park to help them pay for events and improvements in the park.

Coun Alan Quinn, cabinet member for the environment, said: “Burrs is one of our 15 Green Flag winning sites, much loved by visitors. “Everyone likes to feed the ducks, and this initiative will help ensure that the birds are getting a healthy diet.

“We’re delighted to support the scheme – don’t let it be said that we duck the big decisions. “And I’d like to thank the Friends of Burrs Country Park, whose idea this was, for all the great work they do in maintaining and improving the park.”