Tragedy in Par: Co-op Investigates After Baby Geese Killed on Road
A Heartbreaking Loss at St Andrew’s Nature Reserve
Par is a peaceful, tight-knit clay country community where locals pride themselves on protecting the natural environment. At the heart of this is St Andrew’s Nature Reserve, a cherished sanctuary where residents regularly walk, watch the changing seasons, and care for the nesting wildfowl. The tragic death of four young goslings on St Andrew’s Road, right at the entrance to this beloved reserve, has deeply affected our neighbourhood. While visitors often go to Newquay to surf at Fistral Beach or search for dog friendly accommodation along the north coast, Par offers a quieter haven where wildlife and people coexist. On Friday, 22 May, around 9:00 am, that peace was shattered. Witnesses reported a heartbreaking scene of three lifeless baby geese on the tarmac, with a fourth rushed to a local veterinary clinic where it sadly had to be put to sleep. For a community that watches these birds hatch and grow every spring, the loss felt deeply personal, sparking immediate grief and questions about how such a tragedy could happen on a quiet residential road.
Outrage Explodes Online as Co-op Reviews Vehicle CCTV
In the hours following the incident, anger boiled over online after a local witness shared a post claiming the driver had intentionally run down the birds out of frustration. The post quickly went viral, attracting thousands of shares and comments calling for the driver’s dismissal. However, the Co-operative supermarket chain immediately launched a comprehensive internal review of the incident, which included analysing forward-facing CCTV footage from the delivery vehicle. According to Co-op representatives, the footage tells a far more complex story than the one circulating on social media. The company stated that the driver took several cautious measures to avoid the birds, including stopping twice and safely manoeuvring into the opposite lane. Unfortunately, the young birds changed direction at the last moment, wandering directly into the driver’s blind spot just as the vehicle began to move forward again. Co-op expressed deep sadness over the accident and acknowledged the community’s pain, while Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed they are actively investigating the incident to establish the full facts. The driver involved is reportedly devastated by the tragic turn of events.
How Residents Can Protect Our Local Wildlife
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the fragile balance between local traffic and our resident wildlife, particularly during the busy spring breeding season. Whether you are commuting through Par, taking your dog on beaches further down the coast, or preparing to visit Newquay, local drivers are urged to exercise extreme caution near green spaces. Wildlife advocates suggest that motorists should expect the unexpected when driving near reserves, as young animals can easily become disoriented by large vehicles. Residents can help protect our local fauna by lobbying for clearer wildlife crossing signage on St Andrew’s Road and supporting local rescue groups like the RSPCA. As we wait for the final outcome of the Devon and Cornwall Police investigation, the community is coming together to monitor the remaining goose families in the reserve. Let us use this sad event as a catalyst to drive more safely, protect our shared environment, and ensure that our local roads remain safe for both residents and the wildlife that makes Cornwall such a special place to live.
Source: Delivery driver investigated after killing baby geese in Cornwall
