A woman's genuine concern for wildlife in a popular Yorkshire park turned into an amusing case of mistaken identity when what she believed were dead fish were revealed to be an artistic clay installation.
Alarming Discovery During Family Walk
Ellie Cosgrove, a 27-year-old travel business owner from Barnsley, was enjoying a December walk with her family in Cawthorne Park when she noticed what appeared to be dozens of deceased fish scattered along the edge of a pond near the Fairy Gardens area.
"Myself and my family visit the park grounds on a regular basis but have recently noticed something rather concerning," Ellie wrote in her email to park authorities. "Down by the Fairy Gardens, where the pond is, there is a large number of dead fish just laid on the grounds. We have now seen these on multiple occasions and nothing seems to be done about it."
Concern for Public Safety
Initially mistaking the objects for dried leaves, Ellie explained that upon closer inspection from a distance, she could discern fish-like features. The installation was located in a cordoned-off area due to safety concerns regarding an old bridge, preventing closer examination.
"I emailed Cawthorne Park because it is somewhere we go regularly and I was worried they had died due to diseased water and I thought it was a public concern," Ellie revealed. "I know lots of children and animals visit so I was worried for their safety."
The Unexpected Revelation
Park officials responded with surprising news that transformed Ellie's environmental concern into an embarrassing misunderstanding. The "dead fish" were actually carefully crafted clay sculptures forming part of an artistic display.
The official response stated: "Thank you for contacting us regarding the issue you spotted. We appreciate your feedback on your latest visit to the site, and could we make you aware that the fish you are referring to are part of an art installation. These fish are made from clay and are not real fish."
The response continued with reassurance about regular safety inspections of all water areas on site, confirming that the park management takes visitor and animal safety seriously.
Finding Humour in the Situation
Despite her initial mortification, Ellie quickly found the humorous side of her well-intentioned blunder. "I couldn't stop laughing when I read the email," she admitted. "I rang my mum straight away to tell her. I was so embarrassed and could just imagine them all laughing at me in the office that morning."
While considering responding to suggest it was a strange choice of art installation to place near a pond containing live fish, Ellie ultimately decided against further correspondence, choosing instead to appreciate the comedy of the situation.
The incident highlights how even regular park visitors can misinterpret artistic installations, and serves as a reminder that not everything in natural settings is as it initially appears. The clay fish continue to be part of Cawthorne Park's landscape, now with an amusing backstory about their mistaken identity.
