Reservoir visitors urged to 'leave mud for ducks'

Rangers have urged people to "leave the mud for the ducks" (stock image)

Visitors to a reservoir in Derbyshire are being warned not to wander off the pathways or risk getting stuck in the mud.

Levels at Carsington Water have dropped below 71%, according to Severn Trent.

Rangers at the site near Wirksworth have fenced off areas of mud exposed around the shoreline by the receding water, using mud boards to prevent people walking into danger.

In a plea to the public to "leave the mud for the ducks", the rangers said: "It's tempting to walk down on to the mud, but please don't."

Rangers have been using mud boards to install safety fencing

A Severn Trent spokesperson said: "The exposed mud at Carsington may look dry and solid, but underneath it is still soft and very easy to sink and get stuck.

"Reservoirs pose hidden dangers because the water is extremely cold and are also very deep, often with sharp drops close to the water's edge, meaning it can be very dangerous for anyone entering or trying to get out of the water.

"Also, there are objects and currents underneath that you can't see, our reservoirs have machinery beneath the water; this can create strong and unpredictable currents."

Severn Trent added work was "pre-emptive" and not as a result of any incidents.

The East Midlands has been officially in drought since 15 July.

The Environment Agency announcement followed England's driest start to the year since 1976.

Across all its reservoirs, Severn Trent's reserves sit at 63.3% as of 21 July.