Wildlife 'killed' in Lower and Central Gardens, Bournemouth

Some residents are fearing squirrels and birds are being inadvertently killed by poison put down by the council to rid the Lower and Central Gardens of rats. 

Meanwhile, in one case reported to BCP Council, a squirrel was found dead in the Lower Gardens from an injury thought to have been caused by a catapult. 

Melissa Kime, a visiting university lecturer from London, said she spent “hours” attempting to get help for a squirrel which had become injured in the gardens.

People feeding animals in the Lower Gardens (Image: Daily Echo)

A squirrel in the Lower Gardens (Image: Daily Echo)

She said: “The mother squirrel I rescued from the gardens was taken in but has since passed away from a seizure from a suspected catapult shot.” 

Melissa, who volunteers for animal charities, added: “I have noticed the decline in animals in the gardens which is sad. 

“Before, it was thriving and was a joy to see and visit when I came to the town centre. I have a friend who said, ‘I used to love visiting Bournemouth when I was little to see the squirrels’.” 

Karen Procter regularly feeds the wildlife in the Lower Gardens and claims to have seen only “three or four” squirrels since Christmas. Before that, she said she saw “hundreds”. 

Central Gardens (Image: Daily Echo)

The Bournemouth resident warned slingshots being fired at wildlife could one day hit a person walking through the gardens. 

She added: “It’s interesting the council says there is no increase in deaths. When I spoke with them on the phone they basically told me they have bigger fish to fry in the gardens such as drug dealing. 

“I’ve done three rescues and numerous tourists asking me where the squirrels have gone.” 

Karen said Bournemouth’s historic gardens hosts regular visitors from as far as Salisbury and Southampton “as a treat” and “particularly autistic groups”. 

It’s no secret Bournemouth town centre’s gardens have a problem with rats, mostly caused by people littering and dropping food. 

In January, the Echo reported on Dorset Devils litter picking volunteer Tony Higgins who said he has seen some rats “the size of kittens”. 

BCP Council has strongly denied any suggestion it has caused the death of animals in the Lower and Central Gardens. 

A spokesman said: “Any rat controls are carried out by the council pest control team in baited boxes. This work follows relevant legislation and has no impact on other wildlife. We don’t cull pigeons or squirrels.

“Following a recent conversation with a concerned visitor to the gardens we are monitoring the area closely, but have seen no increase in dead animals.”