No need to get in a flap - rescuers swoop in to save ducklings lost down drain
Rescuers flew to the aid of a mother duck when her ducklings disappeared into the drainage system near a Highways England road improvements scheme.
The rescued mother and nine ducklings carry on their journey
The drama began when road worker Matt Jones spotted a car which he thought was broken down on the A45 dual carriageway and went to see if he could help.
Couple John and Yvonne Goldsworthy had in fact stopped their car because the mother bird and six ducklings were sat in the road seemingly distressed. On hearing chirping in the drain, they asked traffic supervisor control officer Matt to help.
As Matt removed drain covers and scoured the system below, they were able to track down three birds and send mother duck and her ducklings safely back on their way to a nearby pond.
But as Matt, who works for contractor Chevron TM, returned to work on Highways England’s A45/A6 Chowns Mill roundabout scheme in Northamptonshire, John and Yvonne heard more chirping.
Taking up the drain covers again, Matt was able to locate a tenth duckling.
Highways England Project Manager, Dean Holloway, said:
As ever, our team did not get in a flap. Matt swooped into action and helped to make sure mother and all her ducklings were safe. We’re delighted there was a happy end to this story and well done to everyone for their fantastic efforts.
Yvonne, of Raunds, told afterwards of their relief that they were able to help rescue the ducklings which had fallen down small holes in the kerbs into the drainage system. She said:
We knew we had to do something to help the ducks, I couldn’t just leave them.
It all worked out wonderfully in the end and thanks to Matt for stopping and helping.
John Goldsworthy with the tenth and final duckling to be rescued
Despite their best efforts, the three rescuers could not find the mother and ducklings again to reunite the tenth bird with its family and the duckling was taken into safe keeping by the RSPCA.
General enquiries
Members of the public should contact the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.
Media enquiries
Journalists should contact the Highways England press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.