Builders found a nest of eight ducklings on a Reading Borough Council building site and escorted them safely to the River Kennet.
A family of ducks was discovered nesting amongst the billboards by the Civic Centre on Bridge Street.
After consulting with the Council’s ecologist, the construction company decided to immediately pause work near the nest, erecting physical barriers to protect it and putting up ‘bird nesting’ signs.
A wildlife camera was also brought in to monitor the nest day and night and ensure the duck family came to no harm.
Builders arriving for work one morning heard quacking and chirping and discovered the eggs had hatched into eight ducklings.
A careful operation followed to escort the family of ducks to the River Kennet, involving assisting ducklings over steps and stopping traffic.
Council Leader Liz Terry thanked their construction partners for “looking after our new residents so well and making sure they were safe”.
The Civic Centre is currently a construction site as work is being done to create a new customer area and Central Library.
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