Plenty of Water ...

[Isac]

... for the ducks, but very few are visiting this year. I have no idea why.

[HansE]

And some greenery. Hope the reeds are on their way back.

[Isac]

I did, here's their reply.
"First off, thank you for writing in and explaining your situation and experience. We understand the smell can be offensive and the works look intrusive, and for this we apologies.

To answer your questions; the reed, Typha orientalis, were slashed due to how they spread and block up the flow of water. Left without control, they become very difficult to manage and would cause further degradation of the wetland ecosystem as they push other native sedges out.

Due to the high costs involved in the removal and that the area slashed only measured 1/8 of the lake, we had hoped the reeds left in situ would degrade sufficiently prior to the lake being filled again. Having had visited the site today (19/06/2024), we acknowledge there is an odour present which indeed is not too pleasant, but however is not too overbearing. We estimate the smell to dissipate soon as there is not much surface debris left. Regarding water quality, please note that degrading ecological matter is a natural process, and with the water flow cleared, this would not be degrading to the wildlife at present. Numerous water birds were witnessed today, all taking advantage of the reeds left in the water as a place to hunt for food.

We will continue to monitor the lake and the wildlife, and welcome further suggestions or updates. For your information, we do aim to forward plan future Typha works, as it has proven to cost us a significant amount of money, which can not be taken out from our maintenance budget – which was done this time.

(Regarding the wildlife signage, these are some standard signs we have which are utilised throughout the City. They therefore have a range of wildlife present on the signs). "

[HansE]

Seems like some thought had been given to the process.

[Isac]

Statements in paragraphs 2 & 3 are completely BS. Nuff Sed.

[wigz]

Has there been fairly widespread rain leaving plenty of surface water?

I suspect that the water birds spread out when there is plenty of water around leaving the local population a bit thin. They concentrate again as smaller pools dry out.

[David_MC]

Shame about the lack of ducks but the area is looking pretty green.

[Isac]

Has there been fairly widespread rain leaving plenty of surface water? I suspect that the water birds spread out when there is plenty of water around leaving the local population a bit thin. They concentrate again as smaller pools dry out.

Not much rain lately, but plenty in August. It's still full. Recent years have had plenty of ducks and heaps of varieties. this season only a handful of birds and only 3 or 4 of the common varieties.

Shame about the lack of ducks but the area is looking pretty green.

You're right David. It's a shame. But I'm sure they will come back in time.