High Peak Borough Council is considering a Canada goose cull at Buxton’s Pavilion Gardens over an E. coli risk linked to droppings, but says it is not at that point. Cleaning is increasing, and sanitising stations and signs against feeding geese are in place.
Deputy leader Damien Greenhalgh said the council was trying every non-lethal method. The geese are non-native but were not introduced to the park. Independent councillor Madeline Hall argued a cull would be ineffective because geese would return; she proposed littering fines for people caught feeding them, plus small fences and more plants around the lake.
Hall said a 2023 online consultation she organised found mixed views. Park walker Paul McBride said he would support a cull only if the meat were used, while Buxton visitor Myra Mannering backed a cull, saying goose numbers were getting out of control.
