Bird flu confirmed at Clumber Park

It’s important to note that the risk to humans and dogs is very low. The measures we are putting in place are precautionary and designed to minimise any further spread among wild birds.

To support this effort, we ask all visitors to:

• Not feed any wildlife, particularly birds, as encouraging them to come together increases the chances of the disease spreading
• Keep dogs on leads, across all areas of the park, to prevent disturbance and dispersal of birds
• Keep dogs away from the lake and other waterbodies
• Stay on marked paths
• Avoid touching sick or dead birds — please report them to a member of the team
• Take all litter home and avoid leaving food scraps

In addition, fishing on the lake will be suspended until further notice to keep disturbance to a minimum, and feeders will be removed from the Bird Hide.

Some areas of the park may be temporarily cordoned off, only where necessary, to support wildlife protection and monitoring.

With over 200 bird species calling Clumber Park home, support from our visitors is incredibly important. These precautions will only reduce the spread of the disease if all visitors follow the guidelines, and we must take a zero-tolerance approach.

We thank you in advance for your understanding, and for helping us care for Clumber Park’s wildlife.

The park remains open as usual.

Questions & answers you may find useful

1. What is the risk to humans?

The risk to humans is very low. Avian influenza does not easily infect people, and cases in humans are extremely rare.

2. What is the risk to dogs?

The risk to dogs is also very low. As a precaution, dogs should be kept on leads and away from waterbodies and dead birds.

3. What should visitors do to help?

Please follow the guidelines set out above.

4. What should I do if I see a dead or sick bird?

Please report it to a member of the team. Do not touch or move the bird.

5. Can I still visit with my dog?

Yes. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on leads and away from the lake and all other waterbodies. Dogs can only be let off the lead in the Dog Paddock.

6. Is it safe for children to visit?

Yes. Children can safely visit the park. We simply ask that they avoid touching any wildlife and stick to paths.

7. Why are you not closing the park?

It is safe for visitors to use the park. National guidance does not require park closures for avian influenza in wild birds with precautions in place.

8. Are you removing dead birds?

Yes. Dead birds are being removed safely by trained staff following government guidelines.

9. Do I need to report this to anyone myself?

No. Our team is in contact with the relevant authorities and will continue to report findings as required.

10. How long will these precautions be in place?

Precautions could remain in place until the spring. With milder temperatures, the risk of bird flu typically declines. Monitoring will continue. We will update visitors as soon as guidance changes or new information becomes available.

11. Can I still feed the birds?

No. Feeding wildlife is not allowed at this time as it encourages birds to unnaturally gather closely together, increasing the risk of further spreading the disease.

12. Could this affect other wildlife?

Avian influenza primarily affects birds. Other wildlife is not currently considered at significant risk, but monitoring is ongoing. As a precaution, we are asking visitors not to feed any of the park’s wildlife.

13. Has this happened before?

No, this is the first time there have been confirmed cases of bird flu at Clumber Park.

14. Where can I get the latest updates?

The most up-to-date information will be shared on our website and official social media channels.

For full detailed information, please click here.