National Trust issues water warning at Petworth Park

The National Trust has warned visitors to Petworth Park not to enter the water or allow their dogs to do so.

Following days of hot weather, blue-green algae has bloomed in the upper pond in the deer park.

When these algae multiply, they can produce toxins that irritate skin, cause vomiting or diarrhoea, and trigger breathing difficulties if water droplets are inhaled.

For dogs, the danger is even greater: swallowing contaminated water can lead to seizures, liver failure and, in the worst cases, can be fatal within hours.

Local vets have since shared the National Trust’s warning and told any dog owners who think their pet may have come into contact with the algae and become unwell to contact them immediately.

At the time of printing no blue-green algae has been found in Petworth’s lower pond, but the National Trust has said: “We advise not letting dogs swim or drink from any pond in the park.”