WOODLEY TOWN COUNCIL CONTINUES IMPROVEMENT OF WOODFORD PARK LAKE AND PARKLAND

Environmental improvement works are due to take place from 11th February, to improve the biodiversity and amenity of Woodford Park lake as specialist contractors move in to help improve this much-loved community space.

Woodley Town Council are tackling the build-up of vegetation and silt with the help of specialist contractor Ebsford Environmental.

This work is part of Woodley Town Council’s aim to support existing wildlife, by improving the overall biodiversity of the environment – while making improvements to amenity value for visitors through providing accessible points for feeding the ducks and geese and also areas for pond dipping with a new boardwalk and deck.

A collaboration

Nick Hartley, managing director of Ebsford Environmental Ltd comments: “Ebsford are delighted to be collaborating with Woodley Town Council and assisting with reforming the lake to improve biodiversity. It’s fantastic to work with Councils who are keen to invest in improvements to the environment alongside improving community areas. We are looking forward to seeing the end result and helping to revive this area.”

Ebsford are tackling the works and desilting with low impact ‘on water’ machinery, while the water remains in the lake. Importantly, there is no disruption to wildlife. Extensive surveys ahead of the project start have been carried out to identify what inhabits the lake and surrounding areas with an ecology management plan implemented to ensure precautions are taken to protect wildlife. The works will ensure long term biodiversity benefits are established for the future.

A positive environment

Woodley Town Council Leader, Keith Baker, comments: “We are very proud of the improvement work which has taken place so far, creating a positive and nurturing environment for the plants and wildlife. We look forward to working with Ebsford Environmental to continue the regeneration of Woodford Park lake and the surrounding area for both the local wildlife and community.”

Information boards will be put up around the lake to provide information as the works are carried out. Leaflets are also available from the Oakwood Centre and Woodford Park Leisure Centre.