A warning has been issued by a council after dozens of discarded bread slices were found in a lake.

A picture of the “disgusting” pile in Mote Park, Maidstone, was posted online and has sparked debate on what should be fed to ducks.

Celene Rudling was walking along one of the paths on the evening of Sunday, March 31, when she spotted it.

She posted: “Leftover bread in Mote Park lake. Maybe they need some signs saying don't throw in bread for the birds?”

The image of the discarded bread scraps has sparked some anger and frustration online.

Several people commented that there are already signs in place and a machine at the park that dispenses duck food for £1.50.

One person said: “We saw this absolutely disgusting.”

Another explained: “There were several signs by the water along that side, unfortunately many of them were vandalised and removed.

“Too many people just don't seem to know the damage bread does to wildlife clearly things just aren't taught anymore or people just don't care.”

“If you can't give wildlife what is good for them don't bother feeding them,” someone added.

“You are causing deformities and a condition that affects their wings so they cannot fly.

“The lake should be patrolled and fines given out for anyone feeding wildlife bread.”

A Maidstone council spokeswoman said: “There are various signs about the lake in Mote Park encouraging people to use the duck feeder dispenser to try to discourage visitors from feeding bread to the ducks.

“These explain why too much bread is not good for them and that the council discourages the feeding of bread to birds at Mote Park.

“The bird feed dispenser has proved very popular and is on the promenade, close to a sign which explains the lack of nutrition provided by bread.

“In addition, on a regular basis the RSPB team visit the park and position themselves with their gazebo, either on the promenade or close to the main hub of the park, to engage with the public.

“They will be visiting next on Sunday, April 14.

“Uneaten soggy bread can cause a build-up of bad nutrients…”

“Regardless of what birds are fed, when they are no longer hungry they will leave the excess.”

The Canal & River Trust says nearly three-quarters of people throw bread into canals, rivers, reservoirs and lakes every year.

The charity advises that although some bread is okay, ducks should have a varied diet for them to be healthy.

Its website states: “Bread doesn't have much nutritional value and fills the duck's stomach so that it doesn't forage for foods it would naturally eat, which can lead to malnutrition.

“Uneaten soggy bread can cause a build-up of bad nutrients, which can lead to more algae growing around water, more diseases and more pests, such as rats.”

Instead, it is recommended to feed them sweetcorn, lettuce, frozen peas, oats, seeds and rice.