Charity urges local people in Walsall to report wildlife crime

The Trust is working with the Natural England-led Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme and West Midlands Police to confirm the cause of death of these geese; however preliminary investigations have identified a suspected poison scattered along the towpath and in the canal. The charity is asking boaters and local people to take extra care when visiting the area.

The Walsall Canal has seen a revival over the last few years. Teams of dedicated volunteers have helped transform the canal into a green oasis right in the heart of the town. The canal is used daily by local people as part of their commute to work or school providing a traffic free route from the town to the countryside. Part of the Walsall Canal has been closed for navigation since August 2024 due to a major pollution incident. This stretch is expected to reopen in the next few weeks.

Lee Bates, area operations manager, at Canal & River Trust, said: “This has been upsetting for our teams to deal with, and I would urge anyone with any information to contact the Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme. Any deliberate poisoning of any wildlife is a serious criminal offence and poses a threat to all wildlife along the canal, as well as to pets and members of the public.

“We would urge anyone visiting the canal to remain vigilant and ensure their pets and children are always supervised. Thankfully these incidents are rare, and, with your help, we can help keep our canals safe places for nature to thrive along them.” 

If anyone has any information on this incident, please call the Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme on 0800 321 600 quoting reference 107/963.

For more information on the work of Canal & River Trust including how you can support our work through volunteering or donating money visit www.canalrivertrust.org.uk