A PLUCKY duck has sought a nesting place in a school playground at Christchurch.

The mallard duck set up home while the school was on its Easter break and only discovered when the staff and pupils returned.

Head teacher Claire King said she sought advice from the RSPCA, who told her to leave the duck and not move it.

She has asked pupils not to use balls in the playground until the eggs are hatched and is appealing for a local wildlife expert to come and talk to the pupils about how to care for their unexpected guest.

The school is also designing a way for the ducklings to leave the nest, as the planter may be difficult for the fledglings to navigate.

The RSPB warned that ducks could find less obvious spots to nest as safe sites close to rivers, canals or lakes are more difficult to find.

The organisation is urging people to help the ducks find their way out of these difficult places, once they are ready to leave the nest.

Val Osborne, head of RSPB wildlife enquiries said: “It’s a tricky time for ducks, especially those that haven’t nested close to water.

“This is increasingly common as they often feel safer in more built up areas and incubating and laying eggs is fairly straightforward in such a spot.

“Capturing them would be the most extreme help needed and it can be worrying but we seldom hear of any mishaps.

“The mother duck may have a few ruffled feathers but it’ll be worth it to make sure her family are re-homed close to water safely.”

Anyone who can help the school should contact them on 01202 482105.