Thousands of goldfish have been re-homed after being recovered from a wildlife pond in Nottinghamshire.
More than 10,000 fish were found in the pond at Colliers Wood nature reserve, near Eastwood.
The pond was drained after concerns were raised about the high numbers of the invasive fish species taking over the area.
Broxtowe Borough Council organised for the pond to be drained and for the fish to be removed, in the hope that clearing the pond would help to invite more native wildlife.
On Friday, March 29, after partially draining the pond, Mat Faulkner of MF Aquatics, which was hired by the council, used large nets to pull out the resident goldfish.
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The owner of the online aquatic business explained: "Goldfish are technically an invasive species.
"They are non-native, will eat all invertebrate life, as well as tearing up the bottom of the pond making it dark which means plant life cannot grow.
"By removing the fish, and clearing any other debris, it was thought this would sort the problems and help to bring natural life back to the pond," Mat added.
He added: "These high figures could have been the result of between six and 20 goldfish being dumped here, because of their rapid breeding over the last few years.
"They have no natural predators - we watched a heron take maybe six in one day.
"They have been picking up food being thrown for birds, they are also very robust and can survive with limited oxygen."
A number of carp and one terrapin were also found in the pond, and Mr Faulkner believes they were there after being dumped due to being unwanted pets.
The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 states it is illegal to dump any unwanted pets into the wild.
The Environment Agency says dumping ornamental breeds such as goldfish and koi carp can be damaging to native species due to the disease and parasites they carry.
Around half of the goldfish were re-homed after queues of people from across the county went along on Friday with buckets.
Mr Faulkner added: "They are all in great condition, most of them are between four and eight inches with a few reaching about 12 inches long.
"The terrapin has been re-homed in Hampshire, joining two others."
Around 50 dog balls were also recovered from the pond and a small number of bin bags were filled with debris.
It's hoped that by as early as this summer, the clarity in the pond will be improved and plant life, newts and frogs can start to return.
Despite fishing being prohibited at the pond, concerns have also been raised about people fishing in the area.
Retired Bob Turner, secretary for the Friends of Colliers Wood, welcomed the work being carried out.
The Kimberley resident said: "We were shocked at the numbers that were recovered.
"The pond has been overstocked with fish impacting wildlife, particularly insects and frog spawn for several years.
"Colliers Wood holds an annual pond dipping event for people to spot frogs, newts, and insects, but often, not much is spotted other than the fish.
"We're looking forward to seeing how the pond develops now, and ensuring there is no more dumping, or fishing at the pond."
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