Feeding the ducks at your local pond or waterway is a popular family activity, but did you know that by swapping bread for other tasty titbits, you can help improve water quality and protect wildlife?

According to the Canal & River Trust, in England and Wales, nearly three-quarters of the population throw their leftover bread into canals, rivers, reservoirs and lakes every year. Here is why it is important for us all to feed ducks differently.

While it may seem like a harmless way to use up stale scraps of bread - feeding your leftover loaf could be potentially dangerous for the birds and impact water quality. For example, uneaten soggy bread can cause a build-up of bad nutrients in the water, which can lead to more algae, more diseases and attract pests, such as rats.

In addition, ducks need a varied diet to be healthy. Bread does not have much nutritional value and fills the duck's stomach so that it doesn't forage for foods it would naturally eat, which can lead to malnutrition.

If you love to feed your local birds, then it is important to do so in a safe and healthy way.

The good news is that there are many other affordable and accessible options. Leftover lettuce or wilted greens such as Iceberg, rocket, kale, chard and cabbage are all great choices. Defrosted, fresh or tinned peas and sweetcorn are also great alternatives. Avoid feeding onions, spinach, avocado or citrus fruits as they can cause digestive problems.

In small amounts, rolled or porridge oats, plain cooked or uncooked rice, and bird seed provide nutritious nibbles. Alternating them with vegetables creates a balanced diet of fibre, vitamins, and fatty acids.

Following these simple tips will help our feathered friends – and their watery homes – to thrive.