IN response to Malcolm Rolling’s letter “Where are Hardwick’s ducks?” (HAS, May 31), I am pleased to be able to report that Hardwick has seen a greater number of ducklings this year than ever before.

Our new dogs-on-lead policy has reduced disturbance to such a degree that the mallards now have the confidence to spend more time foraging with their broods in the woodlands.

Previously, they were more easily spotted as they were concentrated at the water’s edge to allow them to escape the unwanted attentions of dogs.

The young of other species have also benefited from less disturbance and we have seen an increase in both cygnets and moor hens and confidently expect good numbers of grebe and tufted ducks, which breed later in the season.

I hope this both answers Mr Rolling’s question regarding the healthy duckling population at Hardwick Park and will also act as encouragement to even more people to come and take a walk around our stunning park.

Sara Fortune, Hardwick Park Manager.