An assessment by ecologist Matt Shardlow warns the toxic chemicals are widespread in rivers, estuaries and lakes.

His review said the chemicals – banned from use as commercial pesticides – are highly toxic to aquatic life, and are likely to be hitting bird populations that rely on insects for food as well as reducing pollinators such as bees in public parks.

The Norfolk Broads (Image: Denise Bradley)

He pointed to the Norfolk Broads, where all the main rivers entering the park are “heavily contaminated”........

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