Disturbing images taken at Drumpellier country park show swans resting in nests made in part from litter discarded by mindless louts.
Crisp packets, empty cans and plastic bottles have been left all around the park and its pond.
And a pair of mating swans are now using the waste to form nests as they care for their unhatched eggs.
The plastic and aluminium waste surrounding the birds’ environment typifies the scale of littering in the area and the impact it is having on local wildlife.
One visitor told the Advertiser: “It is absolutely disgusting for the poor swans.
“It is so embarrassing that we have this beautiful park in Coatbridge and the privilege of having these lovely creatures living in it, yet look how poorly we are taking care of both.
“My daughter lives near Queen’s Park in Glasgow and there’s a pair of nesting swans there.
“The nest is pristine and nothing like this mess we can see here. It’s unacceptable.”
The two swans were seen adding to the nest, which sits in the centre of the park, and investigating empty drinks cans with their beaks.
Swans lay up to seven eggs in late April and early May, with both the male and female incubating the nest.
Click here for more from Monklands
Scottish SPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn said: “Sadly, we have noticed an alarming increase in animal injuries due to incorrectly discarded rubbish, with everything from cats and bats, to badgers and foxes being affected.
“We want to remind everyone that they can help save wildlife by properly disposing of their rubbish.”
A spokesman for North Lanarkshire Council added: “Discarded rubbish is a blight not only for park users, but also poses a risk to the animals that call the park home.
“We would urge everyone using the park to properly dispose of any litter in the bins provided. Anyone caught throwing rubbish away will face being fined.”
