There has been some recent concern about rats around the Heath Pond.

Petersfield Town Council’s (PTC) view is as follows:-

There will always be rats around water and the Pond has always had its share. We will never eliminate rats from what is their natural habitat. PTC has always used bait boxes to keep the population under control, particularly around amenity area including the bins. However, lately, the numbers of rats has increased but the boxes are catching fewer than they used to. 

Rat numbers are increasing, partly due to the mild winters, and excessive feeding of the birds. 

Scientific advice to us is that the danger of disease being passed by rats to humans, though real, is low.

We wish to encourage people to feed the ducks (and rats) less. There is enough food for both in the natural environment. Feeding the wildlife at the pond also negatively impacts the water quality and attracts an unsustainable volume of wildlife. Nature is incredibly sensitive and excessive feeding interferes with the natural balance. 

We thank you in advance for your cooperation.