WORK is progressing to improve the lakes at Poole Park as part of a £2.7 million project.

The scheme, which has been funded by the National Lottery, will see the water quality and biodiversity of the lagoon (boating lake) improved, as well as the two smaller freshwater lakes.

The improvements follow extensive scientific research and monitoring, Poole council says, involving students and specialists from Bournemouth University, to help understand the importance of the lagoon and the potential benefits of the work being undertaken.

The contractor, Ebsford Environmental, is using specialist amphibious excavators to dredge areas of sediment lying at the bottom of the lakes and lagoon to increase water depth.

The sediment will then be used to create new island habitats and improve existing features. Further work will then take place to improve the quality of the surrounding environment, including: covering the newly formed islands in either gravel, to encourage birds such as gulls and terns, or plants to encourage other birds that prefer cover; creating a new bird screen and viewing platform close to the railway line; using gabion baskets and rock boulders and other specialist materials to retain dredged sediment and provide a stable lake edge for the islands; creating experimental floating islands, and planting new trees and shrubs around the lakes, benches and picnic tables.

The work will take approximately 15 weeks to complete.

Avon Construction recently started to carry out works to the bridge over the sluice channel that links the park’s lagoon to Poole Harbour.

This means the path running alongside the railway line is closed to the public until the works finish in around eight weeks’ time.

The existing bridge over the sluice gate is a simple concrete slab sat on brick abutments and has required replacement for several years.

Once all the existing condemned sections are removed, a new lightweight, fibre-reinforced polymer bridge will be swung into place. New parapet railings will be installed on both sides of the bridge, and the bridge deck will be resurfaced.

The existing Victorian brick piers will be restored, and, in the future, information panels will be added explaining the importance of the sluice channel to Poole Park’s recreation and wildlife.

Martin Whitchurch, Poole Park Life project manager, said: “It’s exciting to have reached the point where contractors are on site after years of public engagement and design work. We’ve received permission from Natural England to carry out this work so that we can make significant improvements that benefit both people and wildlife.”

“Lagoons are a relatively rare habitat and Poole Park, as an improving habitat, is becoming increasingly important for specialist lagoon species and provides a wonderful place for the public to engage with wildlife,” he added. A guided walk takes place at 11am on Saturday, February 9, for those interested in hearing about the works in more detail. Meet in The Ark car park.