The Lake

Once a recreating boating lake in the 1800s, the lake today is now a haven for a variety of wildlife.

In summer, the lake and its margins provide breeding habitat for Coot Fulica atra and Moorhens Gallinula chloropus, as well as proving a refuge for a number of fish species.

From early autumn, you may be lucky to spot Kingfishers Alcedo atthis and Grey Herons Ardea cinerea perched around the edges of the lake.

During the winter, you may also see Goosander Mergus merganser , Teal Anas crecca and Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula feeding in the water.

As part of our effort to improve the quality of the lake for wildlife, we have installed an aeration system in the lake to increase oxygen levels in the lake. We will also be making changes to the lake by reducing the amount of encroaching willow, installing floating islands and planting marginal species around the edge of the lake. These will increase habitat diversity which will in turn increase biodiversity.