Ipswich Brunswick Road Park turned orange due to grass rust

Walkers have complained about a yellowish-orange patina at Brunswick Road Park, which has sparked concerns the substance may be dangerous for humans and dogs. 

The issue has been identified as grass rust, a fungus that grows when the grass remains extra damp in late summer and the beginning of autumn. 

One of the local residents, Graham James, said: "It’s not something I or the other park users have seen before. I have made the council aware but didn’t receive a response.

A yellowish-orange powder sticks to the footwear of Brunswick Road Park walkers, Graham James (Image: Graham James)

"It’s worrying as it might be dangerous for park users, particularly dogs, and it’s also annoying as it coats everything with an orange dust-like substance, such as shoes and clothing.

"It also makes you think it might have been partly caused by the lack of grass cutting over the summer, however, I am no expert, so I don’t know what may have caused this to happen."

Brunswick Road Park in Ipswich turned orange, Graham James (Image: Graham James)

Rust disease rarely causes serious problems for lawns and is typically not harmful to humans or animals. 

The rust can spread in the air and via water, equipment and other turf. 

A yellowish-orange powder sticks to the footwear of Brunswick Road Park walkers, Graham James (Image: Graham James)

An Ipswich Borough Council spokesman confirmed the local authority was aware of the orange dusting but said it would not be harmful.

The spokesman said: "Our parks team have been carrying out the grass cutting schedule as normal.  

"Grass rust is harmless and will naturally pass. It occurs during periods of cool, wet weather and can be triggered when the evening temperature drops along with low light and morning dew.  

"Lawns will show signs of general stress during this time of year as they approach the end of a long growing season."